Awesome Opportunity

Recently, I was contacted by a gentleman that runs a great blog that follows competitors in the sport. He asked me to answer some questions in order to put me on his site. I have to share the link to the article because it is pretty cool. I am excited to work with Figurebikini.com in the future as I continue my journey as a competitor!                jamey-peters-northwestern-figure

Playing Catch Up

A blog post from Halloween was the last I was on here and that seems like soo long ago. Way too much has happened over the past couple months and I will do my best to update yall on everything that has happened. The NW Championships was on November 19th in Shelton and I had been training my butt off all the while juggling grad school and everything else. It was one of the toughest things I have done thus far and I have never felt defeated like I did at points along the way. However, I made it to the stage and... well I did it! I was in a large class and I won it. There was tough competition and I even had a team mate standing beside me on stage. When I found out about winning the class, I rushed off to pump up for the overall. I gave it all I had and.... I won the overall!! It was such a rush when they announced my name in the finals and I can not explain the sense of accomplishment I felt after. To work for something that you want so bad and for it to pay off is by far one of the greatest feelings. I took a couple weeks off from the gym. Well, I had too!! I had to play catch up in all my classes and make sure I made the grades in order to continue on into next quarter. I worked countless hours on a 40min presentation, which I had to give on my birthday! I had final exams, final papers, and grades to submit for my classes. I can not tell you how many hours I spent in the library that final week, but I would like that time back please! Finally, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and handed in a 22 page final paper, many tears later. (You bet I am still a crier! LOL) With it all said and done, I reached a huge goal of not only re-qualifying for Nationals but also winning an overall and I managed to pass my first quarter of Graduate school with two A's and two B's!

I have been home for the past couple weeks enjoying time with my family, catching up with old friends and mentally preparing for another quarter. I am back in the gym training as I have entered my first real "off season." This is the first time in over a year that I will have more than a couple months with out a competition in site. I am spending the time to eat and train heavy in order to come full force in July. There are a few competitions I have in mind and I have to keep in mind that this is something I want. Not only do I want it, I will do anything to get it. I have been struggling with staying motivated because the competitions are a ways out, but I have to keep telling myself over and over again that my competitor is in the gym. She is not slacking off nor is she missing a workout. She may be cheating on her diet, but I will be in the back ground watching her every move in order stay stay 2 steps ahead! Happy Holidays to all of you!

Ciao for now,     J

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to you out there dressing up and eating lots of goodness!! Please do me a favor...Eat some for me too! I have not even looked or been tempted by the chocolate, which ya know I'm serious if I don't even take a glance at it! It has been a looong day but there is something about having Monday over with that makes the rest of the week a piece of cake...Mmmmm Cake! Just kidding, no cake for this girl unless it is carrot cake and only AFTER I do 45 minutes of cardio after a no carb day. As I sit here and drink a cup of tea, I am in pure amazement that tomorrow is November already and man o man is the time flying by! It seems like just the other day I was starting my first diet and had yet to admit I was going to compete in a figure show, hard to believe that was almost an entire year ago! The things I have learned over the past year about health, nutrition, training, and more importantly myself, I would never ever replace. I have developed some very important relationships that are irreplaceable and have witnessed men and women, all on different journeys, achieve great things! The way life unfolds and maps out is truly a blessing in disguise, for if I were where I thought I would be at this point in my life, things would be very very different. Let me tell you something, I wouldn't change a thing! In a month, I will be going through finals and then home for a whole month! While I am home during this time, there are quite a few of you I MUST see. Batman, Robin, and BC (not sure if you even still read this) but I miss you and think about yall a lot. I will be in the LA Fitness to see you soon, so prepare yourself now! Lovebug, you owe me a coffee date...no wait, a delicious cheat meal! I am excited to have a break from school, to spend some time with my friends and family and yes, eat some chocolate!

Ciao for now,     J

Love Yourself...

Self criticism is by far, I think, the biggest obstacle to overcome no matter how strong you may appear to the outside world. I know it is something I am extremely guilty of, almost daily, and isn't it a common saying, "we are our own worst critics"? Well I have to admit that being my own worst mean girl is hindering and counterproductive! There have been countless times I think to myself after a workout, Did I push myself hard enough? Did I do everything I should have or could have? And if I allow myself to say no, I beat myself up for it and it ruins the next workout. Then there is school. Did I study enough? Did I do everything possible to get the outcome I wanted? If I answer no, then I dwell on that error for hours and let me tell you, that is way too long to spend on something minuscule like that. Have you ever wondered how life would look if you showed some self compassion and love for yourself? I have and more recently I have discovered that my thought transfer into how I feel physically. If I get up in the morning and dread my first cardio, chances are it will suck, which ruins my day. However, if I get up thankful for another day and quit the trash talking about myself, I have a killer workout and an even better day. As it turns out, caring about yourself is one of the best possible motivators for doing what's healthy for you rather than what's harmful to you. If I could give a gift to everyone around me, it would be just that. I would show them that by loving themselves and truly believing they are great, they can accomplish amazing things.

This past weekend, I was with the Save Fitness and Construction Zone competitors in Wenatchee. I was able to help some inspiring individuals and watch them rip it up on stage. I was sitting, admiring all the beautiful physiques when I started comparing myself to those around me. Now, I am still three weeks out, while these individuals are tapered and manipulated just right for the stage. We are in two very different phases of competing and I had to remind myself that soon enough I will be on that level, but until then, I have to be thankful for where I am and thankful for a solid 3 weeks left of training to get tight and right for the stage. This isn't an easy task but I will tell you one thing, it is definitely fuel for my fire and sparks that deep burning desire to get on stage better than before. Now is the time to love myself more than ever, to not only be a good example for others but to be successful in a few weeks.

Ciao for now,      J

MMMmm Almond Butter!

I have come to the conclusion that... when the highlight of your day is the two tablespoons of almond butter with your last meal, that one, you have been dieting for too long and two, you need to get some new hobbies! Lol I lOOOOOOVVVVVEEE my almond butter at the end of the day and I find myself savoring every drop! The past couple days have been tough but heck this week is flying by! We are already to Wednesday and in just a couple more, the weekend will be here. Oh how I love the weekend! I went to the doctor on Monday (after calling every doctors office in the county!) and much to my surprise...It is ("best educated guess") a sports hernia. So that means my lifting has to change and cardio might have to change in order to push through the next 3 weeks until I can take a little time off. It will be lots of icing (no not the kind I love to spoon off my carrot cake), heat, Advil, and rest (well fake rest) because I told the doc I couldn't rest yet and he said, "Well you better bear through it then." So bearing through it I am, well that and this cold weather! This morning on the way to the gym, it was 22 degrees out and I thought I had frost bite on my fingers because I could not feel them so picture this.... I was running on the treadmill in a thermal, a zip-up and my mittens. Pretty sure if an Eskimo can run when its cold, I can too even if I look like a dork doing so.

School is going well and I am still able to manage the 3 workouts a day, food prep, homework, teaching, and everything in between minus a lot of social time with the other students but that will change soon. I have a test tomorrow in Biostatistics and all I can say is.. Hallelujah it is not a low carb day and I have a modified cheat meal tonight because otherwise we might have a brain malfunction and I cant really explain to my professor that I am just depleted and actually very intelligent when I am loaded up on carbs. He would just look at me and probably think I was worse off for trying to explain myself. Soo here is to it being halfway through my first quarter of grad school, 45 minutes of cardio, and lots of frosting (if you know how I like my carrot cake)! Happy Wednesday!

Ciao for now,   J

Time Flies When You Are Having... Fun?

Holy Cow! Where does the time go? It is already the end of October and less than 4 weeks out from the next show. I have no idea how time can go soo fast yet I remember when I was little, time seemed to stand still. What a busy busy month this has been already and that's just the start of it. The next 4 weeks are going to whiz by and soon enough I will be stressing out about Christmas shopping! Over the past week, I have been dealing with some weird pain and so far the best guess is a sports hernia but I will not know for sure until tomorrow when I go to the doc here in the Burg. I am crossing my fingers, toes and eyes that it is nothing serious and I'm hoping all my worries will be layed to rest after tomorrow... Am I still training? Yes, you bet your bottom dollar I am! I had a check in with Pete yesterday and got my butt kicked in a back workout. I am still feeling really strong for being a month out, I was doing single arm rows with the
65 pounders! This is because there is no 60's and Pete just rolled his eyes at me when I said there was no way I was moving those suckers and he just said, "Get after it smalls, Nicole Wilkins would." Yep repped those baby's out for sets of 12! Today I felt a little better than yesterday but this weird pain is sucking the life out of me, mentally and physically. I got a 5-mile run in for a whoppin 700 calories today and actually felt really good but my second round of cardio was not so successful and I ended up jogging for two steps before the pain almost knocked me to my knees. Stupid stupid stupid. Needless to say, I am sitting here writing this as I have a heating pad on my lower back and an ice pack on my groin all the while eating my tilapia...Oh now this is what a figure competitor looks like! ;) Food is prepped and packed for tomorrow, training clothes are washed and ready for the week, I am trying to heal up and get in bed at a decent time to hit a.m. cardio.... Yet the homework is still in the works of being done. My attention span for Biostatistics and Advanced Physiology can only last soo long. Here is to another day in the books and one less until the next show!

Ciao for now,       J

Push Just a Little Harder

I heard a song with the line, "When push comes to shove, you'll find what you are made of" and that is exactly what I am finding out. I push myself and push myself a little further but sometimes I get knocked down, or more recently, blown over in the huge gusts of wind over here. I knew this was not going to be easy, shoot I expected to fall flat on my face, but when the day is over and it is all said and done, I am still moving forward. Tough times may seem to last a lot longer than expected but you know what, tough people last longer! I managed to get through another crazy day and got all my workouts in and even spent some time with the other grad students after open lab. It is nice to know that they have some of the same fears as me going through this program and I am not alone but what has taken me by surprise is their interest in competing. A couple of them have started to ask a lot of questions about what I do for diet, training, what a show is like, how I manage to get everything done, and it has been a relief and pleasure to share with them my journey. I find comfort in the fact that I can talk to them openly about my lifestyle and my passion for competing and they don't judge me one way or the other. They have said though, that when I am done with my next show, we are going to go celebrate. Last night we stopped by a local brewery where a classmate works and this is just a small seating area with no food served, just beer. Sitting there, I ordered up a home brewed glass of cold water while the others enjoyed a beer (or two). It was pretty dang funny because since they are not a restaurant, you can bring in your own food or even have pizza delivered to the place. So one of the girls had made a cake and did not want it at her house anymore so picture a bunch of us grad students sitting around and I am watching everyone enjoy cold beer and cake (it was funfetti cake with rainbow chip frosting too). I would not have it any other way. I was happy as a clam enjoying their company and knowing I am only 5-ish weeks away from the stage. It is go time and there is no, I mean NO, time for error in dieting or training. However, after the show....is a different story! Enjoy Wednesday and happy training!

Ciao for now,       J

Snapshot from USA

Here is a photo from USA's and I am still anxiously awaiting for more!

Trying to Stay Afloat

Wow so these past few weeks have been a blur. School is in full swing, I have already taken 2 exams in my Graduate career and all I can say is, I may need a life jacket! I am just trying to stay afloat with everything that is on my plate. I will give you my Monday and then you can see that this schedule I am keeping is crazy. Cardio at 6 am, race home get showered and fed and out the door to study for an exam at 8:30 then class 11 to 12pm, race home and let Stella out and run any errands I can manage in 40 minutes, teach weight training 1-2pm, TA for a class 2-3pm, hit the gym for cardio number two 3-3:45, back home to eat and back to school 5-6pm to teach abs/glutes class, and rush to dissection lab 6-8pm. Then back home, food packed, homework somewhat done (usually I mess around on facebook because my brain is toast by this point) then off to bed to do it all over again. It really has been an adjustment getting into the routine of school, GA responsibilities, training, dieting, and everything in between. There have only been a couple days when I wanted to stop and give up, try an easier route however, on most days, I keep saying to myself, "You got this. Keep going, keep pushing forward." As long as I keep myself focused and my time management skills are in play, I can keep things under control, for the most part. Its definitely been an adjustment moving back the the East side and going back to school. I feel soooo old amongst all the excited 18/19 year olds who want to party it up like its 1999. Haha the rec center has a decent weight room and one Stepmill, so I claim that sucker every morning! One of the hardest things I have discovered is being able to find someone to spot me. I asked a guy a few days back and he looked at me with a weird look before saying, "You lift more than I do" and he walked away. Awesome. Well looks like it is time to step up the game and do what I can.

Ciao for now,     J

PS... I will try to update this more :)

Familiar Faces...

There is something that feels soo good about seeing an old friend, a familiar face, that makes everything else in life seem alright. This is a crazy busy world we live in and I know I am very guilty of getting caught up in training, dieting, odds and ends and not checking in with those friends around me. The past couple weeks, I have been making it a point to stop and reconnect with those around me and it makes me feel at ease with all the stuff that is going on. I saw Robin and BC yesterday and it made me want to cry. I miss yall soo much and know you are very close in my heart. You have played a major part in this journey to competing and I am forever grateful for that, I hope you always know this! The one thing about life is that it is forever changing and people come and go, but those who are your true friends will always be there, no matter what. I had this discussion with sweet cheeks as she prepares to move and start a new chapter in her life. It doesn't matter where she moves or what she decides to do, if she needs me, she knows I am only a phone call away and I will be beside her, holding her hand and catching her is she were ever to fall. I feel this way about all of my close friends and as things change in life, it becomes very apparent who your true friends are.

On another note, I have been following Nicole Wilkins Lee (my freaking idol) and she is kicking butt! This weekend she will compete in the Mr. Olympia for the Figure title and I am excited to see how she does. She competed this past weekend and looked great but I hope she knows, I am chasing her. LOL I want to be at her level and she is a huge motivator to get my behind to the gym and push some weights. Nicole always looks elegant and classy on stage, an image I really admire. Here is a picture of her from last weekend....Yep, hopefully I can get there...One day!

Ciao for now,       J

What Do You Seek In Life?

This is a question that I ask myself over and over again. What is it that I want out of my life? What do I want to do or be? Where am I going and is it the right direction? If there is one thing that I absolutely get frustrated about it is this... I do not know what I want to be when I grow up. I can set a goal and work my butt off to do everything possible in order to achieve it. I can make up my mind about pretty much anything and stay committed to that decision. I am not scared of hard work and know that in order to get to where I want to be, I have to pay the price. Why is it then that I am a 25 year old who can not figure out what I should be? I have never been one of those people who said in 3rd grade, "I want to be a fire fighter or a doctor or a veterinarian" and they do just that. My sister knows exactly what she wants to be and is almost there. I however, am a free floater taking multiple paths and winding all around trying to figure it out which frankly, pisses me off. Sure, I have great ideas and dreams but how do I create those into a future that is not only secure but also satisfying? I found a quote that fits into this situation and I thought I would share it with yall.

"To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says:  leave no stone unturned."

Well here's my application for road construction then because I have been turning stones over left and right on this road and I am pretty sure I would have a brand new highway paved faster than the construction on I-405 in Bellevue! I will not give up and I will keep fighting this battle to become something...someone...great. There is no doubt in my mind that once I get it figured out, I will make it work but for now this aching, gut-wrenching feeling in the bottom of my stomach needs to find a new home because I don't like it and its interfering with my training. So I ask you... what is the best way to get rid of an anxious belly ache?

Yesterday was a Pete day, woot woot! Ha yea right, here's the kicker... Pete just got a bunch of new equipment for the gym and not only did it make the place look bad ass, it also gave opportunity to inflict a lot more pain. I trained glutes/hammies and this morning while doing cardio, I felt each and every step on that dang step mill. So Pete, my glutes thank you and I am not very happy with you because I am having difficulty walking today! :) I am on track and we have decided that my next show will be November 19th in Olympia. This gives me some time to size up before dieting back down. I am looking forward to a new prep round for I am trying to scheme up something, a new look for November that is better than ever! I will keep you posted on that process...

Ciao for now,    J

Peak at USA's

Just a quick peak at what USA's stage presence looked like. A good friend recorded my time on stage and it is pretty funny to watch because I actually look calm and collected while up there but little do you know, my insides were turning and I was sweating bullets because I was soo nervous!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=842224493460

Life's A Dance, You Learn As You Go

"The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place."--Barbara de Angelis

I will be honest when I say it has been hard for me to blog for I am feeling lost, confused, and very unsettled in life as we know it. My crazy beautiful ride has turned into so much more and I will tell you something... I am scared about all that is too come on my journey. I have made my big decision... I am moving back to attend Graduate School and this was a tough call for me because I have an amazing family and network of individuals I do not want to leave nor disappoint one way or the other. I have a hard time with letting the unknown happen and this is all my life is right now...unknowns and uncertainties. I don't know what is going to come of the next few months but I do know this is not going to be easy! I will still be competing and training because that is one thing in my life that is for sure... I want to compete. I thought life was already busy but it is about to get a whole lot busier and time management will have to be my best friend. Who I once thought I was has now evolved into a woman I am proud to be even if it means that I stumble and become weak in times of trial and doubt. I know deep down I have what it takes to accomplish what is in front of me, or anything I put my mind too, but that doesn't make it any easier when I am facing my fears. Our goals, accomplishments, desires, and dreams develop our characters but so do our fears, hardships, and defeats. Not only am I realizing I do not like the taste of fear or defeat, I am realizing that it takes a lot more courage than I once thought to over come those fears.

Ciao for now,       J

Here Fishy Fishy...

It sure has been a long time since I last updated yall on my journey in the gym and what's been happening in life. Well here is a little catch up since I have been home from Vegas... I took a week off from training and dieting (but only because Pete said I had too) and the past week I have been hitting the gym hard and trying to get my body back into training. I have new areas to focus on an improve for the next show (which is still TBD) but it helps me in the gym big time. I know what I have to really hammer down on in addition to the everyday training I already do. Some body parts will be hit a couple times a week and some maybe more than that in order to get to where I need to be come the next show. I have a very heavy decision weighing on my mind and it will definitely change some things depending on what I decide to do. Its been on my brain day in and day out for the past week or so and I still do not feel like I have any guidance on the matter. With a 'Pros and Cons' list made up, it is time for me to sit my booty down and make my final decision, no regrets, no looking back, no second guessing...Yea easier said than done!



This is Henry

 I just got home from a fishing trip, (you heard me correctly) a fishing trip with friends and family. We went up to Barkley Sound in B.C. and it was amazing! Not only is it one of the most beautiful places I have seen but I also really enjoy fishing and had a great time catching a halibut and my rockfish Henry. Haha, yes I did name him before my brother made him fish tacos. My family has a float cabin on the ocean that is the coolest place for fishing, crabbing, hanging out and enjoying the simple things in life (but it does have a shower with hot water) :) This was the first time since I was probably 6 or 8 that I went fishing with my Dad and sister and I am pretty sure they are both very impressed with my Fisherwoman skills! At one point, I had fish blood on my Carhartts and I was learning how to rock fish by jigging my pole on the ocean's floor. There are many more trips for me back to Barkley, and the only thing that I am upset about is that I did not get up there sooner nor did I stay long enough this time around.

Ciao for now,     J

Home Sweet Home...

I am finally back home and getting settled in after a whirlwind week in Las Vegas. It was an amazing experience and I can not wait until the next one. My days were filled with workouts, relaxing, resting, eating, and focusing on why I was down there in the first place. Heres a look at the average day while I was in Vegas... Wake up, eat 1st meal, hit the gym and train hard and heavy, cardio, run errands and rest, eat more, hit the gym for a second hard lift, cardio, eat again, and fall asleep to wake up and do it all over again the next day. I had killer workouts and my body loved the hot hot weather. Most days it was at least 114 degrees and I kept my water up to over 2 1/2 gallons, ensuring my muscle size stayed up. One day while in the gym, my team mate walked over mid lift and said, "look over there at that leg press...That's Nicole Wilkins Lee!" Sure enough, she was right there in the same Gold's gym working out. We pretty much stalked her, got a picture with her and had her sign a shirt. It was crazy! I remember being on stage and looking just behind the panel of judges, and she was sitting right there, watching all the figure girls compete. It was a dream come true! I can not describe the way it felt to compete in Vegas and I can not explain how amazing it felt to place in the Top 10! It was awesome and I can not wait to improve and move onward and upward from here.

After the night show on Saturday, a bunch of us went out to dinner and celebrated a little. I had a couple photo shoots the next morning so I was a good girl and got home early. The shoots were amazing! I had the opportunity to network with some awesome photographers, shoot in some beautiful locations and even shot with a couple other athletes. The trip home was very smooth and let me tell you, I am soo happy to be home and sleep in my own bed. I am taking a little time for R&R but I will be back sooner than ya think and time to get better than before!

Ciao for now,     J

Road Trippin....

Tuesday morning was an early one. Pete, myself, sweet cheeks, and aj jumped in his pickup and hit the road. Yes... we drove all the way from Washington to Las Vegas! It was a great trip and for 18 hours, it was extremeky successful. We did stop numerous times(what did u expect? I was drinking two gallons of water!) Highlights from the trip... I learned more about my team mates and Pete and am pretty sure this trip will not be forgotten. The girls and I were having a conversation about Tilapia and it being a poop fish... meaning it eats its own poop. Alot of people give us a hard time about it and this is when Pete jumped in. He says, "I have seen dogs eat their own poop " I go, "we dont eat dogs." He goes, "I would eat it if I was dieting on dog!" This is one of hundreds of random conversations that led me to cry because i was laughing so hard. All three of us girls had to go potty pretty bad but we were on this awful highway that did not have a gas station, rest stop, shoot any civilization for over 200 miles! Pete pulls off and backs up to a cattle guard. The three of us jump out and pop a squat behind the truck It was a sight to see until Pete starts honking the horn and we all jump back in the truck because a semi thst was hauling a huge tractor was coming and he was only going 50 mph! We started driving again but since I got stage fright, I had to hold it for even longer and we finally reached a town that was straight out of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. Scariest town I have ever seen and pretty sure the people were all mia because we did not see a soul. We finally rolled into Sin City about 10pm and got checked in before passing out.

The last two days have been filled with two-a-day lifts and cardios, eating, posing and resting. Its been really fun to travel around to new gyms and pop in for the day to workout. Side note though.... It is hot here! 106 and still rising but my body loves it here! My physique is looking lean and ready to roll. It is amazing how the weather is affecting the way I look. I am getting nervous about showtime but the best thing for me to do is to keep my head down with my visors on. I have another workout today followed by early registration and to top off e night.... carrot cake!!!!

Ciao for now, J

Discipline

“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” Corinthians 9:25-27

I saw this quote on a girl's status and I really liked it. I have been disciplining my body for a solid 10 weeks of preparation for two shows. I have dieted and hit the gym with determination, dedication, and self-control as well as discipline. Of course there are days I would like to sleep or eat chocolate all day but I don't and once I get into the gym, I feel the energy pick up and I take the workout by the collar and get it done. I try to run with purpose each and every step, not only in my preparation but also in my everyday life. I like to make every experience a memory (some are good and some are down right terrible) but that is what makes me me. I would never ever preach something to someone if I myself, did not believe in it whole heartedly. I think that lessons and experiences are best learned by the individual actually experiencing it for themselves but if I believe in them or what they want to do, you bet your bottom I will be right behind cheering them on. I am an athlete and I will go into this weekend calm and collected, knowing that I did everything I could to be the best of my ability.

Wow... 3 days out from one show and 5 days away from my road trip to Vegas. This has been a long road and I am happy to say that after tomorrow morning, I will be done with 4 am cardio!! I will still have two-a-days but I will not have to wake up when the world is still sound asleep drooling on their pillow to go get my sweat on. The past couple days have been tough, I am not going to lie. I am doing good for the most part but with 2 gallons of water a day and depleting, my body is exhausted. It is not that I am sore, but things that should not be a task are super hard such as blow drying my hair of pushing through 45 minutes on the stairmaster. My legs just want to quit and collapse but my mind does not allow them too. My mind tells them to get their a## in gear because they are whats causing all the turmoil for not coming in as well as they should. My workouts have been short and sweet, just trying to keep my size up and my cardios have been long. When I am done for the day, I go home and prep for the next day before collapsing on the couch with my water bottle resting on my stomach (reminding me I MUST finish it) and watch some chick flick, too tired to do anything. Haha it is sure a sight to see let me tell you. I crack myself up because the thought of getting up to do anything makes me tired. I talked with my mom yesterday and she asked how I found the energy to get my stuff done. I said, "it's just something I have to do to get to where I want to go." That's really it... Mentally, I tell myself not to quit and I keep pushing, even when I don't see how I will do it, I do. Today, the first coat of color goes on and I prepare for the final couple days before showtime. Almost there!

Ciao for now,    J

A Few More...

Just 3 more days and I will be pretty much finished with early morning cardio. It should be illegal to get up at 315am to go to the stepmill! I know I complain and moan about the early mornings but I think deep down, secretly I like it because why else would I still be doing them? It allows me to clear my head and get energized for the day ahead and I am positive it is where some of my best thinking is done. For instance I will run you through this mornings session. 3:58 am, gym is already open, sweet! Time to get this over with. Wow there are a lot of people here already, why would they be out of bed already? I wanna go back to sleep. No, because then I would still have this first round to face when I got up. Ok, step mill here we go. Only one minute done? Ugh my legs feel like they weigh 100lbs each. Hey, that guy has a cool shirt on, I wonder if it comes in my size? Why do you keep looking at me Mr? Do your own cardio! Oh hey, that girl has great hair. Keep moving your butt, gotta get those legs to come in. In 5 days, you get to eat a brownie...Mmmmm brownie! Only 2 gallons of water today. How big is a 10-gallon fish tank? I would be able to fill that easily with all the water I am drinking. This is just the first 5 minutes of cardio, now imagine what the remaining 25 sounded like. Haha if only I could record it all so yall would know how random I really am. This weekend flew by and I really don't know what I did except train, sleep, eat, oh and drink water! Ugh! Yesterday started my water loading and I had 2 1/2 gallons to drink. I did it....It took me all darn day but I did it and when I was finished, I felt like my insides were floating. Not a comfortable feeling but at least I only have 2 gallons today to drink. Today also marks daily check-ins with Pete to make sure everything is on track and that I am looking as I should for the show on Saturday. So far I am feeling pretty good, tired and water-logged but I only have a little bit longer to push before I get a small break.

This point of the journey and prep always gets me feeling emotional and I had a chance to talk with my Grandpa on Saturday. He told me how proud he was of me for everything I am doing and how he just loved me. I am blessed to have a lot of loved ones in my life including my family, friends, training partners, team mates, coaches, and shoot even 4-legged friends. I want all of you to know that I appreciate your love and support and I would not be able to get to where I am with out you. I may not always say it or show you but I am grateful for everyone and everything and I hope each and everyone of you knows that you are important to me and hold a special place in my heart. I have been counting my blessings a lot lately and I do not know how I got where I did but I would not change a thing. I feel like life is falling into place and I am in shock that it is unfolding as it is. It is incredible how life happens and I can not describe how I feel...there are no words for how amazing it feels. Happy Monday and here's to the last week of training prep!


Ciao for now,    J

Dial it in

It is time to dial in the diet, dial in the physique, and dial in the thinking for next Saturday. Sunday is the day. The day I start the one week diet, the day I start my water loading, the day I start to really feel the effects of competing. I am prepared to take this next week and own it. I am excited to see what my physique does over the next few days and I am hoping and praying my legs decide to grace me with their presence. It is one of the most frustrating things, having a body part that holds almost all of your water and does not dial in when other parts have been ready to go for a few weeks. I hate this part, waiting for my legs to lose the water and show up, because I work my butt off on them yet they are still resilient to change. Well guess what legs, I'm gonna punch you in the face if you don't show up in the next week. Probably not because I am still waiting for bruises from 4 weeks to go away but still, just come in already will ya?

I had a good shoulder workout yesterday and I am still feeling strong for the most part. It is weird how everything changes in the last week from food to physique. I had cheesecake Wednesday night and woke up Thursday to have lost 2 pounds! That's crazy talk for sure but one more modi cheat meal (tomorrow night) so you bet your bottom that cheese cake is going to be amazing! Even though I am tired, sore and sometimes grumpy, when I step foot in the gym to lift and get my 2nd cardio done, I feel a second wind and get through what I need too...but then I collapse when I am done. Hehe yesterday was one of those days where I finished up, was dripping sweat, and just wanted to crash and burn. I was standing upstairs peering over the railing at Jr below as he chatted it up with the adorable front desk girl. I had just finished the Stepmill so lets just say I was soaked in sweat and had it dripping off of me. I thought it would be funny if I dripped sweat down on him, but as I stood there shaking my head trying to get his attention, I realized the joke was on me. People were staring at me, probably thinking I had some serious issues because I was shaking like a wet dog does right after a bath. Haha I ended up dropping a wipe down on Jr's arm to get his attention and he was not humored. I thought it was pretty dang funny and I was sure proud of my wipe throwing abilities! I then made a trip to see my mama and gather up stuff for my show. Oil, skin prep, glaze, my emergency kit (that has EVERYTHING anyone could ever need at a show) and a really cool shirt my mom got me. This shirt is from Nike and it says, "Every damn day.    Just do it.    Twice."  My mom had the twice added on and it is RAD. Heck, so is she! Happy Friday Yall.

Ciao for now,    J

Path Towards Happiness

"If you're feeling frightened about what comes next, don't be. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path towards happiness, don't waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present, each moment, as it comes; because you'll never get another one quite like it."

I love this quote and it ties in really well with what I have mentioned the past couple of days. I am at a crossroads and I must be brave, embrace all the uncertainties and take this path all the while spinning wildly into each and every moment of the journey. I think I can do that!  Actually, I know I can do that and I intend to enjoy each tourist stop along the way!

I am in the single digits baby! Only 9 days to go until the first of two shows and am I excited. I am to the point where I have been prepping and training and dieting for long enough and I am just ready for it to be here already. I haven't had splenda or any nonfat milk in my coffee (UGH), I am limiting myself to 2 pieces of gum a day (well I trick myself and make it seem like 4 when I cut them in half), I am about to start drinking my gallons and gallons of water and step up my game for the next week to make sure I am a fine-tuned machine up on that stage. Yesterday was nuts! I was all over the place getting things taken care of, discussed my image for the next show, finally got my hair did (much overdue!!) and eventually got to the gym for round 2 about 6 pm. This time is no bueno at the gym! There were sooo many people all over the place and I had a wait for the stairs but one finally opened up and I went to work. It was a brutal 45min on the stairs but luckily a team mate happened to be there and she chatted it up with me which made the first part fly by. Thanks love, I owe you!! After the gym, I still had a few errands to run before getting home and doing some food prep. Did you know I go through one Costco bag of Tilapia every 2 days? That's a lot of fish and as I have mentioned before, I am pretty sure I will start to grow gills and fins soon. I can't imagine how many bags some of the men go through since their meals are double if not triple my portion size! Meals packed for the next two days, enough laundry done to wash all my sports bras (I go through 3 a day!) and my house picked up enough in order to make me feel calm and I went to bed. Funny how I wake up with texts sent at 9:23 pm saying "I know you are already sleeping...." Hehe yep I'm a Lame-O I know but what do you expect? A girls gotta get some sort of beauty rest! Two more training days and the weekend is here. WOOT WOOT!

Ciao for now,    J

"When you finally allow yourself to trust life and embrace it, you will find you dance with everything."

I may be the worst dancer on this planet and I will not claim that I can shake my groove thing because I can't but I can be a goofball and I love to turn up the radio and get jiggy with it in my underwear. If there is a lesson in life I have learned, especially recently, its this... When you allow yourself to trust, whether it be a situation you are in, an individual in your life, or yourself, everything else seems to fall into place and you can dance. Let me tell you... I am dancing! I have not been this happy in a long time and I have a lot of things to attribute it to but most importantly, I have allowed myself to trust. I feel like my life is in harmony on all different levels and even though I am still being tested on a regular basis, I am not scared. I know that if I have faith and believe in the greater scheme of things, I will be ok. It is such an amazing feeling and after such a long time of fighting the universe on things, I feel like me and the universe are BFF's. Ok, not that close but I feel like we have an understanding now and it won't come orbiting at my head. I am still standing and up to bat at the plate! Bring on the fast balls!

I had a check in with Pete yesterday and yes you guessed it, we also worked legs. First thing he says to me.."What you wanna work?" "Umm, whatever.." He looks at me, "Ok, legs it is. I am going to make this hurt for days." I wanted to cry before we even started. I survived and hit up my 2nd cardio on the step mill. That thing sure can get the best of me but I love it regardless and I am hoping the many hours of use will get this booty in tip top shape for the stage. I had a busy evening getting ready for an even busier day today and it does not look like it will calm down for the next couple weeks but that is ok. I am excited for everything to come and I am extremely happy with where life is taking me. Here is to enjoying every step of the way!

xoxox,   J

Swing Batter Batter...

Holy curve ball life! Just when I start to feel as if most parts of my life are falling in to place and I am happy with most things, a wicked curve ball is thrown at me and I am not sure if I should swing or let the damn thing hit me or duck out of its way. This could not come at a more crucial point when I am 11 days out and about to compete in the biggest show yet. I was leaving the gym yesterday after a good chest work out with BC and Batman, when I read over a very unexpected email and almost walked head on into a light pole. I re-read it again in my car and started to feel overwhelmed with emotions and yep you guessed it, I started to cry because I don't know what I am to do. (Well and I am dieting, carb depleted and not to mention plain ol' exhausted!) After trying to wrap my head around things, I did what I usually do and called my mom for advice. We didn't decide anything except I told my mom that God is testing me and trying to show me something, yet I am not sure what and why he is doing it right now. The timing of it all just seems too much but if there is one thing I do know.....I am tough and I will get through this! I am a fighter. I am full of fire (I am reminded of this a lot lately by the boys in the gym because I am a little firecracker especially when I am hungry) and no matter what I decide to do, I know God will be there by my side all the way through. I just need to put my faith in him and hold on.

As I mentioned, I am 11 days out. Yes sir.... 11 more days until I am on stage again but that is just the start. After that, I have two days to collect myself, prep food, pack for a week long adventure, and head out to the biggest show yet. Oh my goodness, I get chills every time I think about it! I have an amazing group of people that I am going down with as well as amazing friends that will be there when showtime rolls around. I was talking with A.J. last night and she was saying all the right things because after I got off the phone, I felt a lot better and I was no longer as scared but more excited. Every day is different as showtime gets closer because my diet is changing, my water intake is changing, my body is feeling different (some times good and some times not soo good), and my emotions are on a six-flags roller coaster. I do owe a huge huge thank you to all of you who are by my side right now and until stepping foot on stage! I know that sometimes I am grumpy, a little spitfire full of fiestyness, and sometimes down right a pain in the ass but with out you, I do not know how I would get through some of the things I do. Especially when you join me for cardio (Mr. T, Robin, and Batman!) when you absolutely do not have too. It means the world to me!

Ciao for now,     J

Time Flies

Time sure does fly when you are consumed with prep. This past weekend is a blur and when someone asks me what I did, all I can say is "Train." I had a solid am cardio session on Saturday morning followed by a shoulder workout and a visit to Pete. I managed to get my suit altered (or in the process of), a trip to Costco amongst other errands in time to head back to the gym for round 2 and then cheesecake. Sunday was much of the same when I hit the gym for morning cardio, Costco again and some much needed time with my mom and then another trip into the gym for quads and more cardio. Late night food prep and finally bed so I could wake up and do it all over again today. I have only 9 more morning cardio sessions before I am on my way to the big show! Prepping is such an over whelming process sometimes and as I was about to head to the gym for round 2 yesterday, I was taken back by emotions. On any given day, soo many things go through my head and I load up my plate with multiple tasks but sometimes, just sometimes, I find myself completely submerged trying to get my head above water in order to breathe. I know a lot of this is due to being so close to show time and the nerves are starting to escalate as well as all the "what ifs" but for me, I try and hold it all together no matter what, no matter when, and no matter how. I do not like showing the side of myself that can not do something and it is extremely hard for me to accept that there are just times in life when you have to let yourself crumble a little in order to stand back up, better than before. As hard as it may be, it is good to let others be there when this happens to help ya back up and dust you off and that is a lesson I will have to work extremely hard at. I am terrible at this.. Ok I down right suck at it, but I learned over the weekend that if you can let someone help you, you will end up feeling a lot better about things and you will not feel as alone as you think you are. Those who really care about you, will look at you no differently if you have a weak moment, in fact, they will probably open their hearts to you even more.

I must give a big congratulations to a couple Save Fitness girls who competed this past weekend at Team Universe. They are now IFBB Pros and I cant even imagine the emotions they are feeling as they wake up from a monumental weekend! The hard work and dedication it takes to get to that level is incredible and the fact that they followed their dreams and gave it all that they have, is truly an inspiration to all. I hope they know how proud of them we are and I can not wait to see what new doors open up in their futures. Congratulations Ladies, way to shine! Here is a video of Sheri Vucick's routine. It is amazing and her new title is much deserved!

http://rxmuscle.com/videos/rx-girl-videos/3623-sheri-vucicks-fitness-routine-at-2011-npc-team-universe.html

Ciao for now,    J

Audrey Hepburn Sums It Up...

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

I love this quote by Aubrey Hepburn and I think it sums some of me up in a nutshell. If you know me (or if you don't you will now), you know my favorite color is pink! I have lots of pink things right down to my toothbrush and I think it is perfect for making me feel like a girl when I need a pick me up. I love to laugh and anyone that can make me laugh, even better. I laugh at myself a lot but what feels the best is a deep belly laugh that makes you cry and wanna pee your pants at the same time. When you are gasping for air and your abs hurt because you are laughing soo hard. That is what I love most and thank you to all who can make me laugh like this! Who doesn't like kissing? A sweet kiss on the forehead or a kiss from your mom on a bruised elbow, it is a beautiful thing and shows love on all different levels. A kiss can make you forget about all the other things that are going on in this crazy/beautiful life. I firmly believe that being strong when everything goes wrong is the only way to be! Life can be unfair, it can be mean, and it can be down right dirty, but when you look life square in the eyes and tell it you are stronger than it thinks and even if you get knocked down you stand back up, you have proven not only to life but yourself that you can get through anything you want too. Have you ever seen a woman who is radiating with happiness? It is beautiful. End of story. A woman who is happy in their own skin, happy with where they are and what they have become is simply amazing to look at. She holds herself with confidence, with pride, with her head held high and looks like the most beautiful thing on earth. Happiness is good for your health! I do believe that tomorrow is another day and I will not let yesterday or the things that happened affect how I work and live today. I believe in miracles. Life is a miracle. Enough said!

Yesterday was one of those days where the skies opened up and poured rain. I felt like I could not escape from stress or drama or anything in between. I had a great day with Pete and sweet cheeks at the gym and got a great workout in. However, I have this stupid issue with one hand that landed me at the urgent care walk-in clinic to be put on antibiotics. I told the doc that I needed to get it figured out now because I do not have time to worry about it and if the meds make me hold water, they need to get in and out of my system as fast as possible. She probably thinks I'm a whacko because I told her just to cut off my finger so I could get back to training. I was at the clinic late then had to eat dinner on the drive home, which ended up with me sitting in rush hour traffic and wanting to have a melt down. I went straight to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled, which was a 30 min wait so I went and did my grocery shopping before going home. Did I mention that my complex is repaving and so there is NO parking anywhere! Ugh so found a curb, parked and went to work on food prep. Got my tilapia and sweet potatoes cooked just in time to psych myself up for round 2 cardio... I am a creature of habit! True story. I like my schedule and when it gets off, it throws me through a loop hole for sure! I was battling myself about doing late cardio but I did it  and I am dang proud for sticking to it! I was out running around town at 7:30 pm just to come home, shower and get in bed so I could get up and do my 3:30 am cardio. Yep, late night followed by early morning cardio is a brutal combo but guess what....I kicked its a$$. :) Since today is a new day and yesterday is in the rear view mirror, I am full steam ahead, foot on the gas pedal and only looking forward! 3 weeks and counting!

Ciao for now,    J

Officially Official!

As of yesterday, it is officially official! My registration for my big show is in the mail and on its way. I am not going to lie...I am nervous as heck now but as I was handing the envelope over to the FedEx lady, a HUGE grin spread across my face and I thought to myself, This is it. This is what I have been working my butt off for and now is the time to bear down, put your visors on, and push forward for 3 more weeks. You got this Jamey, do not think otherwise. The spark that burns inside me is now a full-on hungry fire looking for fuel to rip wild. I can not believe that I will be on stage at such a big show nor can I believe that I am just a couple weeks away from doing so. All the hard work, hours of pushing weights, thousands of ounces of Tilapia, and down right brutal 3:30 am cardio sessions will be worth it when I step on stage and realize that that is exactly what I had worked for. Just thinking about it gets me smiling and visualizing myself under the lights, in front of the judges, with all my friends and family support behind me!

Yesterday I ended up getting through my second cardio just in time to quickly chat with Robin and BC and run a bunch of errands. We were trying to figure out the rest of the week and our lifting schedule when they mentioned Batman probably would skip out on leg day. We have concluded that his bat mobile is too good for leg days because he is always skipping out...Just had to call you out my good sir! :) Today is a Pete day and lets just say I'm shaking in my boots! It is a leg day and I am pretty sure it is going to be H-E-double hockey sticks! If I cant walk the next couple days, I may need a designated wheel chair pusher so I am accepting applications now...facebook me! LOL! Sweet cheeks signed herself up for this day with me (she said she wanted to join in...the more the merrier). Do not blame me if you can not sit down after today dollface! This mornings cardio was a good one except with the nice weather outside, it is hotter than heck in my apartments little gym and I am sure I lost a solid 3.7 pounds from all the sweat. I almost suffocated. I would love to go for a morning run but at that hour, it is probably not the best idea and plus, I would miss out on all the sweet infomercials that are on...This morning it was Flirty Girl Fitness. Oh my, do not get me started! I will leave you with this video because I can not even begin to explain it. I almost fell off the treadmill because I was laughing soo hard.

Ciao for now,   J

Refuse To Sit Back...

"People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under."

As the final countdown begins, I have a lot going on in my head. How will my posing be? Will I achieve what I have worked hard for? Did I do enough cardios and did I push myself hard enough, each and every time? Did I do everything I could have to get here? What am I going to eat when I can eat anything? And the list goes on and on and on. The final push is hard for my body hurts and I am tired but that does not stop me from getting up and doing what I need to do in order to get to the stage. I dislike 3:30 am cardios and sometimes I want to punch em in the face but I do them and afterwards, I am very glad I did. My body is not recovering as quickly anymore but I am still lifting as heavy as I can to keep my muscle size up. There are definitely times I would much rather do anything and everything BUT my second cardio, but I lace up my shoes and go for it. I will  not let my weakness' overpower my strengths nor will I let my competitor out do me in the gym. I do not know who she is or what she looks like but I do know that I will not let her beat me or push me down on the way up. I refuse to sit back and take a break when I know she is not taking a break. If she is out there doing 30 mins of cardio, I will do 31. If she is doing 10 reps, you bet I will be doing 12. This prep phase has been good and I am still feeling strong, well as strong as I can be 2 weeks out. This is what I like to call the 'home stretch'. Just a little bit further and I will be on stage. Just a little longer and I can eat a brownie (oooh I cant wait!). Just a few more early morning cardios and I can go back to one a days. I will keep chasing that dream, running as fast as I can for as long as I can and even then when I think I am out of gas, I will push a little bit more. Here's to the final push and a blessed training week!

Ciao for now,    J

Recap of the Past...

Yesterday's entry was brief and I did not go into detail about the comments that were made or how I responded to them. I can usually laugh at them or let them roll off my shoulders but sometimes, just sometimes (probably on carb depleted days LOL) they really hurt my feelings and get under my skin. In most cases, I will come back and say something like "I am living a very healthy, active lifestyle and I like the way I feel and look" or I just smile. Smiling not only confuses the person uttering the comments but I think it actually kinda makes them mad. Haha I will just keep smiling. The final count down has begun and I am 2 weeks out from one show and 3 weeks out from another. This past week was filled with lots of cardio, training, eating, food prep, and as much sleep as I could fit in. I felt really relaxed and honestly pretty darn calm about the shows. This prep has been much different than the last because there are not soo many unknowns for me and I have a foundation to build upon versus starting from scratch. I did a lot of running outside in the beautiful weather and lifted with all the boys.. Batman, Robin, B.C., Mr. T and Jr. Yep I am pretty positive they are sick of working out with a girl but I wouldn't change my training partners for the world. Little do they know, they are my family now (whether they like it or not) and I appreciate each and every one of them. I spent the 4th doing lots of cardio and spending time with my mom and dad. While we were sitting outside eating, my mom looks at me and says, "It is soo funny to watch your mood when you actually eat something you enjoy!" This is not the first time I have heard this and it cracks me up. She says, "when you eat tilapia and then another tilapia meal follows, your mood stays the same but when you eat something you enjoy, it is like you are a whole new person." Haha the food she was referring to was bbq'ed asparagus and sirloin steak. Sure beats raw asparagus and tilapia! If I actually took the time to cook all my veggies, I may like eating them more but that also requires more time and really I would much rather be sleeping or doing anything else but food prep!

Vegas Baby....

Ok so I am loooong over due to update yall on what has been going on... Not that any of you were worried about it. I went to Vegas with my mom and sister and had the opportunity to see Garth Brooks live. It was AMAZING. Hands down, the best concert I have been too in a long time and I would easily do it again. However, I will try my best to not go on vacation while dieting again...First is first. I had a whole cooler packed with frozen Tilapia, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, and Asparagus. Yes the TSA was not pleased with me especially one mean ol' lady who made me wait a solid 10 minutes just to be checked over and over. I told her to throw whatever out if it would get me through the system faster, she was not impressed. The man who checked my cooler was like "Oh you are a competitor? A competitive chef who takes their food with them? That is awesome!" Well no my good sir because if I was a chef, I would not be eating frozen Tilapia!! I survived the 2-a-days and dieting but I am pretty sure my mom and sister will not take a trip with me when dieting either. It was a challenge for sure, when the sun is shining and everyone is sipping on some type of deliciousness! Oh well I know my hard work is worth it and I have a much bigger goal in sight than a fruity drink.

I have to say that I am still not used to some of the things people will say nor do I think I will ever get used to it. I had random things (some good and some down right rude) said to me but it is part of the territory I suppose. I was riding up in the elevator with a guy and he looked at me over his sunglasses and slurred "Your biceps are bigger than mine.. Wanna arm wrestle?" I giggled..."Sure I will take ya on." Lucky for him, the elevator opened up and I hopped out on my floor. Another instance was in the pool when I was sitting soaking up some rays when a guy walked by and told me to flex. I looked at him like he was nuts then he said, "How do you get those arms to look so good?" I totally pulled the "I use the shake weight" comment and he believed me! He was beside himself and even called a friend over to tell him about the shake weight...Dummy. The last comment I will mention that made me very upset was from a girl that told me I was disgusting because of the way I looked and my muscles...I was seeing red after that comment for sure. Think what you may but leave the comments to yourself please!

Adjustments Adjustments...

I have been waiting for this Tuesday to arrive for many different reasons! First of all, I completed my last 3:30 am cardio for the next week and a half! Woot I made it through! Second, I leave in T-minus 2 days for Las Vegas with my mom and sister...Soo excited! I was talking to my mom yesterday and trying to figure out all my food prep, packing, suitcase dilemma (yes I am a girl and I lug a lot of stuff, especially shoes and my WHOLE family can attest to this! I once made my brother pack 3 pairs of heels in his suitcase from Mexico home). So I asked if we had a fridge in the room and she said she would call and check on it. I got an email this morning from her that says:

"I called Mirage & found out we just had a minibar fridge but could request one for $25.00 a day, unless it was for a medical reasons then it would be free. I explained the situation and he said that was close enough to a medical reason. LOL :) So we have a regular fridge. MOM"



I just love you to the moon and back mom! You rock! I loved this email soo much, I printed it and I am going to put it on my fridge! The next couple days are going to be crazy crazy! I have to get laundry done, clothes packed, food prepped, Pete and a Pete workout in (eeeek), all the normal running around, a few more cardio's, appointments here and there. Welcome to the life of a busy busy competitor who is about 4 and 5 weeks out. This past weekend was busy as well and on Friday I saw a chiropractor for the first time in a while. Dr. J is pretty rad and he has plans to get me all fixed up. When I say fixed, I literally mean repair my poor skeleton. Ha I had x-rays taken on Friday and I could not believe what I saw. My right hip is a solid 3 inches higher than my left as is my right shoulder. Now this totally explains the weird alien formation I have on my right quad. I showed it to Pete one day and said, "WHAT. IS. THIS.?" He looked at me as he normally does, a nonchalant glance (LOL) and says my hips were off. Well you were right once again Pete and now its time to get the weird lump outta here! I now have a set schedule of cracking, muscle therapy, adjusting, massaging, basically if I was a car, I would be getting the 'works' detail every time I head in to see Dr. J. I love it but man am I sore! I met with some girlfriends over the weekend for some QT and shopping and we have concluded that shopping should be considered cardio, now all we gotta do is convince Pete that it is. I was exhausted after shopping and the last thing I wanted to do was go in for my second cardio but ya know what....I did it and I did it with everything I had. I got through that cardio and was dang proud of myself for pushing through it. Speaking of pushing through, yesterday I did quads with Mr. T and Jr and it was a fun one to watch. Fun for the fact that I opened up a new world of training for those two and I am pretty sure they may be feeling it this morning. Not gonna lie...I was doing just as much weight as them on some things but shhhh don't tell them! :) Jr had walked to get a drink and came back with a HUGE grin on his face saying that his legs gave out and he almost fell into someone. That kid has the biggest heart and I really enjoy lifting with him. He has taught me that just "a couple more" really means 5 or 6 and there is no "should" only "Lets do it!". I then had 2nd cardio to do and both of them looked at me in disgust and said, "you are really going to go run right now?" Well Duh, of course I am...I owned that cardio and afterwards when Mr. T said my determination is unbelievable, I knew I had done work. Enjoy the beautiful day!

Ciao for now,   J

Fuel For Fire...

"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength."

I really like this quote and when I read it, it hit home on more levels than one. I was thinking a lot about the next 5 weeks and starting to stress out about what is to come before the next competition. I have determined that although I do everything possible to make sure things are 100% in diet, training, my relationships, ect. life can throw you curve balls and instead of getting upset and dwelling on those things, I need to laugh them off, determine how to handle what is at hand and move forward. I will wrestle my demons and let those sweet angels sing, for they have something beautiful to say. I told Mr. T last night when I was talking about all the things that have come down on me and stressed me out this week that "I am perfectly imperfect." I like to think that I can control everything in my life but we all know this is soo far from the truth! If I could...It would always always be warm and sunny, I would have won the Lotto by now (maybe a couple times), big sweatshirts and messy hair would be sexy, brownies would be on EVERY meal plan, and double cardios would be outta style! :) Really though...I know that I am in control of myself and myself only and that is what is important. I need to laugh at the little things and let them slide off my back not only because they are just that, little, but also because there will be a time when bigger things happen and I really will have to worry. This morning is an example of learning to let go and move on. I was merging on to the freeway at 345 am when a trucker did not move over to let me on. Even though I was a little bit a head of him as I was merging on, he did not move into the other lane so I had to slam on my brakes and let this double semi go by...Well I had a cup of coffee between my legs and it spilled, not just on my floor mats but all over my lap. I was soo angry and could not believe that this just happened especially when my yoga pants are sopping wet with hot coffee...not pleasant! I looked up and saw an almost full moon and instead of yelling like I wanted too, I just laughed because there was nothing else I could do. It had already happened and I still had cardio to do. I couldn't let this ruin my cardio! I will say however, I listened to some pretty hard rock and ran faster than I normally do at 4 am. So in a way...Thanks you dang trucker for making me work harder this morning!

Yesterday my mom came with me and had a "Pete Day"! I am soo excited for her to start a program with him and she will also be starting her training for a 10k. I can not wait to help in anyway that I can and that means I may have just gained a new cheat meal partner and cardio buddy! We even have matching shoes..LOL

Happy Friday! 

J

My Hero... My Dad!

This weekend is Fathers Day and I want to wish all you dads a happy day! Whether you have been a dad for many years, are about to be a papa for the first time or are a proud daddy of a four-legged furry kid, you all deserve to be loved and appreciated for all that you do! This post is dedicated to my hero... My dad!

He is the most amazing man in the world. He is my confidant, my friend, my crutch, my everything and I do not know where I would be with out him by my side. He is and always will be the number one man in my life and I know with out a doubt that if ever I fall, he will be there to pick me up, skinned knees and all. From the earliest days he has been encouraging me to become anything I want to be as long as it makes me happy. One of my favorite stories with my dad is from the Christmas of Third grade. I opened a few presents of brushes and horse books among other "horse things." The last present he handed me was a wrapped shoe box and I still remember the smirk that spread across his mustached face! I unwrapped the box and opened it only to find horse poop! Yep ya heard me...Horse poop for Christmas. I had no idea why I was getting poo for a present until the next morning when he brought me Maggie Mae, the greatest pony on earth, all his scheming made sense! He put me high on my 1st pony when I was too little to climb up on my own, he hauled me to every dang 4-H or Pony Club show in the Northwest with a smile on his face and sat there watching patiently. Little does he know I have been watching him in admiration for years and I will never be able to tell him how much he means to me nor will I ever be able to describe how much I love him. My dad has picked up the pieces when everything shattered at once, he has been there, no questions asked, when I needed help out of a sticky situation, and he has pushed me when I felt like giving up and throwing in the towel. I have watched my dad work his butt off for his family and never complain about it nor give up when times got a little rocky. I am proud to say I am like my dad for I have his drive and determination and his Type-A personality (never thought I would say I'm proud of this but...). I love the way my dad will call out of the blue because he is driving somewhere and just wants to check in and even though my mom and sister will agree, my dad will never ever let you go hungry! Especially if you are at the house and he is making Spaghetti and meatballs! :) I remember baking my dad something when I was about 14 and it was taking FOREVER and he looked at me and said, "Great things take time Jamey. You took 9 months." Everytime I think about this, my eyes begin to well up with tears. Thank you dad for everything! Thank you for being my rock when I needed to be strong. Thank you for being my leader when I needed guidance. Thank you for my friend when everyone else walked out on me. Thank you for funding my many expensive hobbies :) Thank you for giving me everything I have and making me into what I am today. I am a strong healthy independent woman wishing for the world and chasing her dreams because of you. You have allowed me to spread my wings and fly. Thank you. I love you!

J