Two Things Shall Happen...

"When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly." -Edward Teller

TGIF! Its finally Friday which A). means no work for the next couple days, 2). Time to do something fun and exciting, and most importantly C). I get to go back to the gym soon!!! I can not wait to get back into the gym, start hitting the weights full force and get some cardio in. I never thought I would be saying this, but I miss cardio and the way it makes me feel. The endorphins help calm me down and a good sweaty workout is one of my favorite things! Time to get back to work and improve on the necessary things in order to hit the stage for another season. I do not know when this will be, there is some talk about a few shows coming up, but no matter when it is, I will be ready!

The quote above I found a while ago and I have been keeping it to myself because I really really like it but it is time to share with yall! I cant keep something like this to myself, the message is just too great. I have reached the end of my bright light and soon I will be stepping into the darkness once again. The unknowns that surround my life are vast and create an uneasy feeling deep inside me that I sometimes (ok a lot of the time) worry about. However, what I have learned (and am dang proud of ) is that unknowns are great things and if you allow yourself to have faith and believe in yourself as well as others, you will be just fine. I know that ultimately I will have a strong foundation to build upon but if I am pushed to the edge, I will use my wings and fly. I may get close to smacking into the ground or a tree, but eventually my wings will start to work. The greatest part of it all is.... I am not scared, I am actually excited! Once the show dates are set, I will know a little bit more but then it is like starting and rebuilding for another season of competition!

Ciao for now,     J

Things Happen For A Reason...

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they are right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." -Marilyn Monroe

I have been good. I have stuck to the 'no gym, no diet' rule all week as hard as it has been. I am going a little crazy, not going to lie because for me, the gym is an outlet. It allows me to get away from all the stresses in life and do what I love...Workout! I have been in a bit of a funk you could say, but it seems to be getting better and it has really helped reconnecting with friends! I met up with my Mr. Olympia and his adorable pregnant wife last night and we went to a Texas roadhouse. I was sold the minute I heard about it because the first thing you do when you walk in is fill a bowl with peanuts and while you sit and wait for your food, you shell em and throw the shells on the floor. I got peanuts just so I could throw them everywhere (was scared to eat them because of the sodium). I have been pretty good about cheating (as in I haven't gone crazy) except last night, this place had the most AMAZING (insert mental picture of me throwing my arms out and saying this with pure delight) rolls and butter. The butter was like ice cream! I am not sure what they put in it (maybe some addicting substance) but I probably ate my body weight in bread and butter. I have not had this much bread in at least a year! CJ was laughing at me and kept telling the waitress to bring me extra sides of fries, rolls, anything that would fatten me up! Little does he know this will come back at him ten-fold! It was great to visit and laugh and not have a worry in the world, very refreshing. I have also been spending time relaxing, hanging out with Stella, and doing all the needed things such as cleaning my house and next is a pedicure for my poor feet! I look forward to sleeping in this weekend and just doing anything and everything that I please. I know my body needs the break from the gym and I'm positive my mind does too, just hard when you are used too (and like/appreciate) such a structured schedule. Oh well, the unknown is the best thing for me (as much as I hate it)!

Marilyn was a weightlifter!!

The quote above is one of my favorites! Marilyn Monroe had it correct when she said "Everything happens for a reason and things change." As I said before, my life has changed dramatically over the past few months and for the better. I have learned, grown, and met some of the most fantastic individuals. People are still walking into my life that have had such an impact in such a short time. I have learned to trust more than I have in years. I have learned to let go and see what happens without second guessing EVERY move. I am starting too (which this is going to take me a looooong time) break down my concrete thousand mile high wall, and allow new people into my life and heart. All of this has occurred on my journey and I can not wait to see how the journey will continue and how my life will keep changing.

Have a blessed day!     J

Self Reflections...

Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look there. - Marcus Aurelius

If you know me, you know that taking a week off from dieting and training (especially training) is very very hard for me to do. Stir-crazy does not even explain how I feel but I am doing my best to keep occupied with all the things I haven't paid much attention too...like house work and laundry! I was able to spend some time with my family last night and picked up Stella. Excited to see me? She couldn't control her excitement! She was smothering me but it was soo great to see her and have her cuddle on the couch with me last night for the first time in a while. I slept in (yes that means 4:15 am) and back at work for day 2 of no gym. Today is going to be filled with a deep tissue massage, house work, and grocery shopping. I do not have anything in my house to eat, and I actually look like a lost puppy in the store because I do not even know what to buy since I am used to fish, asparagus and well... more fish!

I have had a lot of time to reflect on the past few months and the first part of my journey. I have learned more about myself and who I am compared to any other time in my life. I have healed from hurts that have haunted me for the past couple years, I have developed love and kindness towards myself that I have never been able to exhibit, and I have grown tremendously into someone I am proud of. This journey has allowed me to be myself and prove to myself that I can do anything as long as I push forward, no matter how hard it may be. The individuals I have encountered during my journey have also played key roles in my new found love and spirit. To all of you that have been there for me, pushed me and encouraged me, held my hand through the rough times and listened to me when I needed to vent...Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to my amazing family for seeing me through this process and supporting me no matter what. I am blessed beyond words to be a part of such a loving family. To my boys at the gym, I will never be able to repay you for all your commitment to me as we suffered through some awful workouts and carb-depleted days. To my SaveFitness team mates and coaches, I do not know where I would be without you. Being able to relate to your journeys and knowing I have a "sister" just a text/call away is a wonderful feeling and I am thankful for each one of you. To my CZ team...You rock! Enough said. You have a special place in my heart and I look forward to every encounter with you. To Pete and Apple, the biggest thank you ever! I love each and everyone of you and really appreciate your support!

Loving myself and having confidence has been a struggle for many years but as my mom pointed out this past weekend, I have a new attitude and I appreciate my body and how it is works so hard for me. I now appreciate food more than ever and understand why it is important to fuel for workouts and no longer fear gaining weight. This has been an emotional journey for sure and I am looking forward to the future and all it holds! I am excited to continue on and keep competing and I hope that I can help others learn to love themselves through exercise and diet.

Have a blessed day!     J

“To be nobody but yourself in a world that is doing its best to make you just like everybody else means to fight the greatest battle there is to fight and to never stop fighting.” — E. E. Cummings

A Few Pictures...

Here are a few more pictures from recent shoots... They turned out great and I look forward to more!

Time to Play Catch Up

Picture from a recent shoot

Boy Oh Boy is there a lot to catch up on. This past weekend was the third and final competition for the month of April. It is bittersweet, for I am excited to have a little break yet I don't know what to do with my new found time. The competition was on Saturday and the amount of stress I felt going into this competition was the least I have had since I started. Things fell into place and staying on site at the venue made life soo much easier. One elevator ride down and a walk through the casino and BAM! you were on site of the show. Pre-judging went well but afterwards I had to go take a nap because the sugar high I was experiencing from all the jelly beans Pete told me to cram down by the handfuls had caused me to feel sick, sick, sick. The nap was much needed and when I got up and ready for the night show, I felt 100x better. The night show took a long time to get through because the bodybuilding was alternated with the figure, so I ended up hitting the stage around 9:15 ish. I did get to witness a powerlifter deadlift 850-something pounds and then get my picture with him afterwards. He could have swallowed me up whole! The man was HUGE! I ended up tying for 2nd place at the Empire Classic this weekend and placed 3rd when it was all said and done. The best part of the competition....The "after-party" of hanging out with all my family, team mates, Pete and his family, and whoever else was around. We had sooo much fun at dinner and I don't think I have laughed that hard in months. There is soo much to catch up on, and I promise I will. Yesterday was filled with driving and more driving. My sister and I made the trek home and it was a lot of fun getting to spend some much needed time with her and catch up on life. Surprisingly, I have no great stories to tell about food and what I have done since I have this entire week off from the gym AND the diet. I ate a lot of chocolate and that's about it...Well and I got a coffee this morning and put splenda and cream in it and it is delish! Ahh the little things in life! :) Don't worry Batman, Robin, and B.C. I will be there today, no not to work out (if Pete found out I was there he would make me take 2 weeks off...The threat is already intact) but too see yall and fill you in on the weekend!

Ciao for now,     J

Give Thanks...

"Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow"

 -F. Miramontes-Landeros

Just 3 days out from Spokane and I have a lot to think about and prepare for. I am still feeling good with a few aches and pains here and there but overall, I am surprised at how much energy I have this week compared to last. Yesterday was a rushed day in the gym and I don't do very well when I get into the gym later than usual, it throws me off. It was legs but I was also adding in biceps so I was jumping from exercise to exercise and felt like Tasmanian devil, in a whirlwind of weights. I met with Pete and I am still doing well and on track for where I need to be. I need to keep my muscles full and pumped going into this weekend so I am now lifting twice a day, smaller muscle groups in the am and larger, harder lifts in the afternoon. The one thing I can not wait for is a massage when I get home from this weekend. I am going to be more sore than ever but it will hurt soo good!

I have had some time to reflect back on this past weekend and also the different emotions I have had with competing. They are very mixed to to say the least and I am nervous going into this weekend. It is hard to explain how I feel, so I find myself bottling up everything. Well this bottle is quite full (could be the 2 gallons of water I am drinking EVERY DAY) but that is besides the point. I do not know how to approach these feelings nor do I know how to ask for help because, to me, it seems like it could be a touchy thing to talk about. What is the best thing for me to do? I have no idea so I continue on with training, dieting, and posing because that is what I have done for the past 5 months. I can not believe my first 3 shows have come and almost gone and now I am nervous for what is to come.

J

Dance Like No One is Watching...

What a great day! There was a full moon shining as I was drove in to do my morning cardio at 3:45 am and it was a crisp, cool morning that reminded me of summertime (although it was only 40 degrees out!) I am feeling strong, full of energy, and still going full-throttle. I had a great shoulder workout yesterday with the boys and Robin even said, "Is it a bad thing that you are easily doing half the weight I am on dumbell snatches?" Haha love it! I am feisty, vibrant and alive and can not wait to let it shine this weekend... Only 4 days until Spokane. After my workout, I went home and went straight to work and did not ease up until I realized it was 9 pm and past my bed time! I am trying to regain some sort of order at my house since I am living out of suitcases and barely managing to get things put away before I have a whole new mess started, not to mention my laundry (which I will spare yall on that!) Cardio went well this morning and as I ran to get  coffee, the birds were chirping and I felt inspired and full. Full of happiness, full of energy, full of optimism, full of life!

If there is one thing that I have learned not only through this journey to the stage as a figure competitor but also in every other aspect of my life, its that life is precious and too short not too live it to the fullest. I have had ups and downs, and have definitely crashed into that brick wall a couple times but I have always stood back up, brushed myself off, and continued on my crazy beautiful ride. You know that feeling when you cant stop smiling because of something or someone and you just feel...content? It is such an empowering feeling and it is time to share that joy with everyone around you! Let people see you filled with happiness and confidence, it may just turn their day around and give them the confidence they need to do the same. Today is filled with work, visiting with Pete, training, prep, getting out and enjoying the sunshine and living my life! (Oh yea and maybe some laundry...dang it!)

I love this quote and hope it inspires you: 

"Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth."

Ciao for now,     J

Sneak Peak

Here is a sneak peak from one of my photo shoots this past weekend!

Emerald Cup 2011



After winning the Team Award

 Another Monday has rolled in and I am happy to say that I survived the Emerald Cup and am back at it again for the next week. I will be heading to Spokane this upcoming weekend for the Empire Classic and my third straight show. Yes, I consider myself a little crazy for doing 3 shows back to back but what type of competitor would I be if I didn't? The more experience the better and I say "Bring it Spokane, I am ready for you!"

This weekend was jammed pack full of competing, prepping, dieting, photo shoots, rooting for my Save Fitness girls and Construction Zone boys, and soo much more! It was a great weekend but I'll let ya in on a little secret...I am tired as heck! I managed to get a few hours of shut eye here and there but not enough to feel rested, surprise surprise, I didn't have time to sleep! Ok so rewind to Thursday... Got a quick workout in before heading to Pete's gym to have a slumber party with the other competitors. This was a lot of fun and I am sure Pete was happy to get all us girls out of his gym come Friday. We stayed up and chit chatted, watched a photo shoot take place, begged for cheesecake (not happening) and much more. Can't give all the details of our girl's night! Friday morning up and at em' at 5, I was in the hair/make-up chair by 5:30 and back to Pete's by 7am. We hung around before heading to the casino for pre-judging. This show was such a wonderful experience compared to my first for the fact there were no major disasters and everyone seemed to feel a lot better coming into the E-cup. The evening show was a hit and I saw more familiar faces than I thought in the crowd. Batman, Robin, and B.C. were all there and it was great to see them! I wish I would have had more time to visit after the show and maybe take more than one Patron shot with them! :) L.Bug and a good friend Bryan along with co-workers were also in attendance and it made me feel more loved than ever. THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU! I placed in the Top 5 at Emerald Cup and I feel great about it. There are always things I need to work on and improve but that will come with more training and time.

Rolled home around 2 am and hit the sack to get up and head to the pre-judging for all the boys! I loved cheering for them and they all made me soo proud! Everyone looked awesome and all their hard work showed. Next headed to a photo shoot then back to the casino for the night show. It was a busy busy weekend and I am feeling the effects of it but one more week and 5 days out from another show... Here is to the final push and a great week!


Ciao for now,     J

Pictures From Vancouver

Here are a couple pictures that were taken while in Vancouver... I hope to have some great shots from this weekend as well!

Do Not Be Afraid...

"Your True Self cannot be afraid of anyone." ~Vernon Howard

If you would have asked me a year ago... shoot even 6 months ago, if I would be where I am right now in this current moment, I would have said no. Well, I would have said "kind of" for I would be working and going to the gym but I would not be competing in three figure competitions in a row, I would not be scheduling fitness photo shoots, I would not have met some of the most amazing friends nor would I owe huge amounts of thank you's to many people for all their love and support. I was a lost soul a year ago to be quite honest and I lacked a lot of self-confidence and self-worth. I did not love myself like I do now nor did I demonstrate the confidence I do now because I was scared. I was scared to show my true colors to anyone for the fear that they may not like me. I was scared of getting hurt by things from the past. What a hurtful thing to do to myself! I am who I am and I will always be that way. Every individual is different with unique traits that make them who they are and that is what is soo special about being alive and living for yourself. There is no need to worry about showing your true colors and living each day 157% (I did the math don't you worry). What you need to worry about is if you are holding yourself back because of fear or doubts or any other reasons. When it comes down to you, there is no need to be afraid. You will be surprised by all those surrounding you who love you for you!

Got through a back workout yesterday as well as cardio. This was not easy to say the least and when you are battling to keep your eyes open or willing your legs to keep on stepping, it is tough. I was scared my leg wouldn't work and I envisioned myself smacking my face into the front of the stepmill...Brutal I know but it helped me keep my legs moving. Man oh man! I am really sore going into this weekend, much more so than a couple weeks ago. It is incredible to see my body transform into a lean mean fighting machine. I am seeing more changes this time than I did for Vancouver and I have to admit...I spend much more time staring at my body in the mirror because it is...well, AWESOME! I can not believe what I have shaped into nor can I honestly believe that I have made it to where I am. With every twist or turn, muscles pop like my poptart will! (When I can eat em) I love the feeling of being strong and muscular and knowing just how hard I have worked to this day for what I am. When I see myself, I see a strong, motivated, hard-working woman who has been working her butt off (literally) to accomplish great things and who still has the drive to continue and improve with each and every day. I am no longer afraid of my true self and I wish this for each and everyone of you! Show your true colors and let yourself shine, you will feel better than ever after you do!

Ciao for now,    J

Indomitable Warrior

The hard part is over (waking up), its Tuesday and I am up and at em with the best of yall. Yesterday was a long day, primarily for the fact that I only got 2 hours of sleep the night before and my lifting felt weak. I know it will this last week but I also expect myself to keep performing at a top-notch level until showtime. My body hurts and I am sore but it is all minuet compared to the feeling of being on stage under the lights and showing off all the hard work. I was graced by the presence of Mr. Olympia (in the making) this morning and his hunger and desire for the weekend is without a doubt inspirational. He has a passion and a fire in his eye that says "Get out of my way. I am here and I am bringing my A-game, so yall better be at your best." I love it! He is not messing around and it is how I feel. I am hungry for the competition and the drive to do better, perform better, be better is stronger than ever. I have been experiencing a lot of outside stressors (which I am trying to beat off with a stick) and keep my focus with visors on. I will not let anything stop me from getting to where I want to be.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes form an indomitable will." -Gandhi

Gandhi sums it up in this quote. The will to be great outlasts your physical capacity and when you are exhausted, your body aches and you feel like you cant go anymore, the mind and the will pushes you to the end. The ability to block out the outside factors that feel limiting to your performance, and keep your mind narrowed in on the goal is an amazing feeling. The definition of indomitable is: that cannot be subdued or overcome, as persons, will, or courage; unconquerable: an indomitable warrior. Each and every one of us is in some way a warrior. A warrior that faces the battle called life each and every day. I am a warrior. I will do everything I can to be unconquerable, even if that is an extra cardio at 3:30am. I have learned more about myself on this journey including my ability to keep myself mentally tough and focused when I feel like giving up. I have showed more courage to myself than anyone else and it is such an empowering feeling. Confidence and grace on stage, yes it will be there but the warrior, the fighter, the individual who will not give up, will be seen more often than not. What makes you a warrior?

Ciao for now,    J

Its All Up Too You!

Another Monday is here and it is 5 days until showtime at the Snoqualmie Casino! The weekend was very busy and stressful but I made it through and now I must bear down and make every second count. What I would normally do over the weekend (spread amongst 2 days!) had to be crammed into one and it was busy busy busy. I met with Pete and a couple team mates to pose yesterday when he sprang the memo that it had to be leg day and there were no exceptions! Since the diet changed for the final week, recovery is a lot tougher and therefore you knock out the workout that would be the worst with enough days until show that you can somewhat re-coup. Mentally preparing myself for unexpected leg day was a challenge but with the help of AJ (team mate and overall rockstar) and CJ (Mr. Olympia in the making) we hit our legs hard and had fun in the process. It is amazing how working out with others can really push you further and harder than  you feel like going. It was a successful day, since I got some retail therapy in with AJ :) and spent some time with two amazing individuals who are a blessing in my life!

"Ultimately, it's up to each of us to choose how we will live our lives, hold ourselves to high expectations, standards and continually evaluate whats inside the image we see in the mirror."

I found this quote that I like to look over now and again to remind myself, the life I live and how I choose to live it is ultimately my choice and no one else's! I even have a tattoo that reminds me of this that no one can define me but myself and this is something I will always stand up for. I have had experiences on this journey that involve individuals not supporting what I am doing, think it is a terrible thing for me to do, completely shut me down for choosing to compete, and the list goes on. You know what... Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I don't judge any of these individuals for how they live their life, so please allow me to live mine. I can handle the scrutiny and will continue to hold my head high, for this is MY choice and MY journey. I am happy with who I am and only live each day trying to improve upon myself, never wasting the energy to break down or belittle someone else let alone their dreams. It is a HUGE act of courage to show your dreams to someone else and if they react in a negative way, it is an even bigger task to overcome and stay true to yourself. What I am trying to get at is: Be kind to one another and support those you care and love because we are all unique individuals with very different goals. Enjoy your Monday!

Ciao for now,     J

Preperation for the Hours to Follow

Happy Thursday! One more day and it is the weekend and a day closer to the Cup. I will admit I am feeling the effects of a long weekend away, the stress of back to work and routine workouts, the achyness in my body as well as the worry accumulating about the next week or so. Its all relative to what I am doing and I am only going to have to bear down and keep focus. Yesterday was leg day. I know I whine about this day almost every week because lets face it, it is not for the faint of heart! Batman informed me that a guy who has seen us work out wanted to join in on legs and after yesterday, I am pretty sure he will not want to partake for a while (or at least until he can walk again). We pushed it, more so than other days, and kept going at a high intensity for about 2 hours. I remember looking over at Robin as he had a cheese-eating grin spread across his face because Batman was cramping. I was trying to keep my giggles contained but I couldn't, it was just too priceless! One was rolling around with a cramp and the other was watching like a little kid on Christmas, full of joy! Classic.

Although my body is sore from the week, I have been able to keep my focus and drive, pushing every workout until exhaustion or completion. Yesterday after legs, I was supposed to do a hard 45 minutes on the step-mill and I will not lie... I was dreading it! Robin looked at me and said, "If you do the full 45 minutes after everything we just did, I will buy you anything you want." I looked at him and said "Game on!" Never ever will I lose a bet like this one, it was just too tempting. It fueled my fire and I dominated that 45 minutes (well 46 minutes just to be sure I did it ALL). Thank you Robin!! That was exactly what I needed and I am in no way regretting it! I found this quote this morning and ties in perfectly with the lessons learned this week:

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The work before me this week is to focus on each and every training and cardio session. Focus on each and every meal. Focus on practicing my posing. Focus all my efforts on myself and what I am capable of in order to be the best I can be at the Cup and there after. Cheers to hard work! It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys machinery, but friction!

Ciao for now,   J

Concentrate Upon the Work at Hand

Its already Wednesday?! Where has this week gone? Since returning home from Vancouver and starting right back up on the diet/ workout plan, I guess my days fly by without a second glance. I went and saw Pete yesterday and had a great discussion with him about the next 10 days. Yes you heard me...10 days before the Emerald Cup at the Snoqualmie Casino. We mapped out a plan of attack for training and also discussed the diet and how it will look like for the next few days. The biggest thing I have been telling myself is to focus and concentrate on the next 10 days. That seems like a very short amount of time, however, A LOT can be done in just 10 days! I have the fire burning within to bust my butt, improve on what I can, and come out bigger and better than before! I have a lot of feelings about this next show, a lot of nervous energy, but if pursued properly, it can only be beneficial (at least that is what I am hoping for).

Each and every competition is going to be different. Different judges, different opinions, different competitors. I will come in the best of my abilities to each and every competition. I do not know exactly where this drive is stemming from but I do know that each time or each opportunity to step on stage is only going to make me a better and tougher competitor. The drive that I feel right now is much more intense than I ever imagined and I can only hope it stays this way. I know that there are going to be outcomes I may be disappointed with but I also know that this will reinforce my fire, and keep me wanting and pushing for more. It will teach me many lessons that will help me develop and grow, becoming the competitor I wish to be.

So here is to the next 10 days. Yes, I know I will hurt and it is going to be hard but that is why I compete. To improve and get stronger. To be a better me.

Ciao for now,    J

Big Man (too say the least)

Real quick.... after I won the overall, I came running around the corner in my heels and ran into the guest poser...Kai Greene! This man is HHHHHHUUUUUGGGGGEEE and he had to hold me up because he knocked me almost flat on my butt (not good in a small suit!) I squealed and ran around him as I headed to hug Pete and Apple! Just wanted to show yall what he looked like... But this picture doesn't do him any justice... He is much MUCH bigger than this!

Recap #2

Its Tuesday and I am back at it again! Up at 3:15 am and cardio done by 4:30am! It actually felt great to get up and get after it knowing I only have 11 days until Emerald Cup! This is a big big production and I am not going to lie when I say, I. AM. NERVOUS! Yesterday, I got to the gym to see Batman and Robin and share some of the highlights from the weekend. It was great to see them and see the smiles across their faces along with getting a good chest/ab workout in and getting back to it!

Back to the weekend in Vancouver... I will tell you (and I am sure my sister will contest too it) that I never ever thought I would be asking my sister to shave my stomach! Haha she was sitting over me trying to shave in between my abs with this mini electric razor. I was laughing and getting pissy at the same time because it took forever (or so it felt). Next, L.Bug was sitting over me trying to get the back of my shoulders smooth. I am not a hairy person let me set that straight right now, but I was informed that in order for the tan to look better on stage, body hair should be eliminated completely... Good to know for future shows! After the big boys competed on Saturday night, I rolled into my hotel room about 1:30 am (too late for this girl!) I woke my mom and sister up and Carly started to show me the pics from the day. They turned out great and I also had a little indulging to do! They had set up a diet pepsi on ice like a bottle of champagne and I loved every sip of it! I then topped it off with just one half of a pop-tart (do you know how much sodium is in those suckers?!) Ahhh a little cheat meal before I spent the next 30 min in the shower scrubbing this tan off (it didn't work either!) Soo many great stories from the weekend and many more to come!!

Ciao for now,    J

Recap # 1



Overall Picture

Well my first competition came and went and it was an exciting one! There were many many great lessons learned and experiences had from the weekend and let me now tell you.... I have seen it ALL! Friday was a day filled with spray tanning, checking in with Pete, registering, competitor meetings, rehearsal, team bonding, and sooo much more! After rehearsal, a group of us went back to the hotel to hang out and gear up for Saturday morning (which would come sooner than I thought). The day was very emotional and draining and not too mention stressful! The spray tan that the competitor received was a bad batch and left everyone scrambling to figure out what and how to fix it. I had a reaction to some part of it and my skin has weird patches all over it. After 3 coats and a few tears later, Pete and AJ (my amazing team mate) made a 3 am decision for me to get in the shower, wash it off, and start painting! I did and I have to give a HUGE thank you to AJ! I know you hated me at 3 am when you were applying DreamTan to my bare body, but without you, I wouldn't know what would have happened! She applied a coat and then we got about an hour of sleep before we woke up to check in with Pete again and see what we needed to eat! One of my favorite experiences was at Midnight in the Boys' room! We were all gathered around, exhausted and eating cheesecake! I was having a hard time weighing out my cake due to mental fogginess so I let AJ do it for me... This is the last time I ever let her weigh my food! Pete had upped my amount to 10 oz and I didn't want to eat it all so she weighed it and gave it to me.. I didn't eat it all and come to find out the next day at lunch she smirks at me and admits she had actually weighed out 12 oz knowing I wouldn't eat it all so I did end up eating about 10 oz... What a tricky trickster! :)

Saturday was a whirlwind! At 5:30 am, AJ and I are in our birthday suits, painting each other while eating our cheesecake and carrot cake! What a sight to see that was! Haha like I said... I saw it ALL this weekend! I then had hair and make-up, which was great and then we headed to the school for pre-judging! I was stressing big time over my tan when an angel fell by my side and helped calm me down. Coach T has an amazing business woman helping her and she pulled me into the bathroom, gloved up, and went to town on my skin. Her kind words and encouraging spirit was just what I needed to hit the stage. I did it! I walked on to that stage with a big ol' smile (if you cant tell from the pics) and rocked what I have. It was an experience that has left me speechless not too mention more driven than before for the next competition!

There is soo much more to talk about but I will leaving you hanging because suspense and the unknown, as I have learned, is a pretty cool thing.

Ciao for now,      J

Update real quick



During My Class

 I promised to keep yall posted and I will... Tomorrow when I can keep my eyes open! I am spent and going to bed but here is the outcome of my first Figure Competition. I placed first in my class which was Figure 5'4"-5'5 1/2". The top girls then compete in the Overall for Figure and I placed first and won the overall for Figure. Thank you too ALL of you (each and everyone of you) for your love, support, and encouragement through all of this! I could not have done it without you! Here is a few pictures from the weekend and I will highlight the weekend tomorrow!

xoxoxox,        J


My mom and sister



On Stage during the Evening Show



Safe and Sound in Vancouver

We arrived yesterday evening to Vancouver in one piece. I am exhausted and feel bad for my mom for driving with not much conversation on the way down but really, I don't have much to say which is hard to believe coming from me I know! So far some very weird experiences have been my sister shaving my stomach since I have blond hair you wouldn't think it was a big deal but I have enough that it would cause my tan to gunk up, so last night that's what we were up too in the hotel. I got up early this morning and found the nearest LA Fitness and got my cardio in as well as an arm/ab pump. That was hard! I couldn't believe how my arms felt like limp, wimpy noodles! Next on the agenda....Tanning! This is a whole experience in its own and I couldn't help but giggle my way through it because I am standing in a small tent thing completely in my birthday suit and have a gal spraying me down, stuff you would see when a car is getting spray painted. I now have an amazing "glow" that looks like I spent the last 3 weeks in Mexico and it only took 20 minutes! I still have round 2 to do and I am excited to see how dark I will be. The stuff is sticky!!! Every time I stand up, I have to peel my clothes away from my skin, and I am in the loosest fitting clothes already.

The next 24 hours are going to be a whirl wind and I cant explain all the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that I have. There is still a lot to do tonight and early morning tomorrow before I step on stage, ready to rock what I got. We have check-in tonight followed by rehearsal for the fitness/figure gals, then we have check-ins with Pete at Midnight, 3am, 5:30 am and soo on. Hair and make-up begin at 7 am followed by competitor meeting and finally wait my turn to go on stage tomorrow am for pre-judging. All I can say is..... Here. We. GO. (ps I will keep yall posted about the outcome and what not when I get a chance).

Ciao for now,    J