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Big Things Coming...I am incredibly excited to start the next chapter in my life.

13 Days Until My Last Day Of Class

13 Days Until I Can Start Studying To Get Certified As A Personal Trainer (if not earlier)

19 Days Until I Graduate From College

66 Days Until My First National Show in Vegas

Woot Woot! So to say the least...I have some exciting things coming up! I cannot explain the joy that I feel about my life right now. It is kind of funny actually because there are a few things in my life that are not going well at all, BUT I am choosing to focus on the the GREAT things coming up and I am choosing to focus on all the amazing things/people the Lord has blessed me with over the past couple years! That's really what it is all about people...Perspective and attitude. You ultimately decide how to live your life...You decide upon your outlook and your attitude and how you react to the things thrown at you. It's your choice...Turn around and avoid the challenges in your life or soldier up and be strong...Meet those challenges straight on. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches and do so with a big thankful heart and a big happy smile. Cliche...I know. But it is SOOO true! So that's where I'm at.

I actually just got home from the gym and had a fabulous workout...I mean KILLER workout. I started off somewhat slow and then that fire in me started burnin' something fierce and I finished weights very strong and then my cardio was even more fierce. It made me think of Julie's blog AWHILE back about giving it your all when you have that burst of energy...Heck if you're feeling energized and strong, THAT is your time to truly push your limits. So that's what I did. My 25 min on the stepmill and 10 min on the treadmill left me absolutely dripping in sweat and it felt so refreshing. Nothing feels better than building up my body...Making it stronger, healthier, faster and just BETTER!

So I'm pumped and can't wait for my cardio tomorrow AM! Then I'll be heading to work...then to LA Fitness for a Chest/Bi/Tri workout + cardio. Busy day, but as always it will be absolutely FULL of opportunity and I better be ready to rock and roll!

Bless you all and please please please spend some time tonight planning how you can get one step closer to your goals/dreams tomorrow. Life is so short and you've got ONE life to live...I hope you are all pushing forward through your life achieving all that you are meant to achieve. We each have something truly special to offer to the people around us and it would be soooo silly for you to not grasp that tight and make the most of it! DREAM BIG! ;)

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

Tags: Determination | Goals | training | energy | posingfocused | determined

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So I have today off from both work and school! This is a first. The funny thing is how quickly I was able to fill up the day with things I need to get done. All last week I was thinking, "Wow...I'll have Thursday off - I can relax, do some cardio, do some lifting, maybe do some hw"...But it sure did fill up. I'm meeting my nutritionists today, then heading to Bellevue to train with Pete,then heading to school to meet one of my groups to start our project...Then most likely by the time I get done with that, it will be time to hit the sheets for another glorious day tomorrow!

The good news is that I was able to sleep in until 8:00am! That's LATE for me! And BOY did it feel good! I woke up this morning...drank my ABB Speed Shot Intensity and then off to the gym I went for my AM cardio! My cardio felt amazing to be honest. The first 5 min. were a little rough, but then it was pure drive, determination and fierceness. At this point in time I'm doing whatever it takes to get myself ready to step on stage next weekend. I push all doubts and excuses out of my mind and roll with it. As I've mentioned before, it's like I turn into a robot and just go through the motions of what I need to do. There's no time for contemplating my cardio or training sessions - I just do it. No questions asked...No hesitations...Just ACTION!

I'm excited to put together all the details for ECUP this weekend. Since I have school next week (even papers due and presentations) I'm going to get as much done this weekend in order to be less stressed next week. That means that I need to lay out my suit, shoes and outfit for the ECUP this weekend. I need to get my nails done. I'll have to buy some more Crest Whitening Strips and wear those all next week ....Gotta sparkle ;) I'm also going to touch base with my sister and make sure all my hair plans are figured out! My sister works at a salon in DT Bellevue and she's AMAZING at styling/cutting/coloring hair! So she'll be taking care of my hair Saturday morning...Thank goodness because I'm completely wacko when it comes to doing my own hair! Then I have my make-up appointment with Jen Turnbull all scheduled out and ready! She does an amazing job and I'm so thankful that she takes care of my make-up because that is yet another thing that I'm not so hot at! Then of course I have tanning scheduled with John and Roxana from On Stage Image! They always do an AMAZING job and it's nice to not worry about my color on the day of the show. They simply take care of it all and that leaves me with that much less stress as I prepare to step on stage! So I think that's it...For all you women competitors out there...Get ALL these minor details figured out SOON (if you haven't already). The earlier that you can get your hair, nails, make-up etc...figured out, the less stressful next week will be!

So for all you ECUP competitors...This is it. It is almost YOUR time to SHINE!! Your time to step up there and give it ALL you've got. I know that you all have been working SOOO hard to prepare for this next weekend and I admire all of you so much for all of your hard work! It has been amazing to scroll through facebook and see all the different posts as people prepare. I honestly feed off of everyone else..You all push me to improve and I'm so thankful that I've met such amazing people! So kick it up a notch...finish up STRONG...both mentally and physically. Get your mindset right so that you can step on stage as a CHAMPION! Being a champion takes a certain mindset and you need to make sure that is all dialed in 100% to really give it all you've got! So dial in...physically and mentally and get ready to rock and roll!

I'll keep you all posted as I push through these next several days...I'm excited to see how my body will be changing!!! These are the days, as your body begins to take real shape, that all those days of lifting, cardio and diet are SOOOO worth it!! WHOO!!!

Have a fabulous day everyone and train hard...Visualize your success...Believe it.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

Tags: Bikini | Snoqualmie Casino | Emerald Cup | cardio | onstageimage@yahoo.com | determined | Visualization

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WHOOO! So I am SOO happy because Winter Quarter is done and I actually finished strong. Although I didn't do AS much studying as I would have preferred, I left each exam feeling confident! So not only am I happy that it is all over (Thank You LORD!), but I'm pumped that I'll be on the Dean's List again! WHooo!

So now that I'm feeling fresh and way less stressed, I figured I'd jump back on here and reflect on my past couple of months because it has definitely been quite the journey...I cannot count how many times I literally got down on my knees and prayed that God would help me survive my crazy schedule over the past couple months. I of all people actually woke up dreading many mornings because I was feeling wayyy too overloaded! This was crazy for me because I am the kind of person who is normally always excited to get my day going and enjoy all the opportunities that I have been blessed with. So overall the last couple months were insane and it took all my mental and physical strength possible to make it through thanks to our amazing Lord's Grace, Love and Strength!

So what did I learn through all of this craziness..

First off - I learned the true meaning of the saying that you can determine someone's true character when times are tough. When I prepped for the Ironman I had a stress free summer to completely focus all of my energy on my prep! I was able to train when I needed, eat when I needed and I was working more hours, so I could definitely afford to make everything happen! It's easy to enjoy prep when the road is fairly easy. Well..this time around has been completely different. With a CRAZY school schedule I have had a very limited amount of time to focus on training and often found myself cutting my workouts short in order to finish a paper or study for an exam. I also had my hours cut at work, so affording everything that I would optimally need to compete has been tough as well! All of this mounded up to HUGE stress and it was a true test to see how I could handle it. How bad do I really want this? How bad do I REALLY want to compete at a National show? Although I had a rough start adjusting to the crazy schedule, I learned that if I want it bad enough I simply have to do whatever it takes to make it happen. I have to work with the time that I do have and make the most of it! Did I spend as much time prepping for Vancouver as I did Ironman? No. BUT I made the most of my time and that is what counts. I did what I could! So when the going gets tough...Real tough...Use this time to let your TRUE character shine! Be courageous and do what you can to still achieve your goals. It WILL get easier and when it does...It will feel SO good. That's where I'm at right now. Enjoying the fact that it has FINALLY gotten easier! WHoo! Makes the tough journey SO worth it!

Second off - I learned that God is truly so good and this was His way of showing me that I can't handle everything on my own. I do have an INSANE schedule and I just simply won't make it on my own. The Lord showed that I NEED to lean on Him because that is the only way that I will discover true strength to reach my dreams and accomplish everything that is on my plate. While I have always had faith in the Lord and trained for HIS glory, I have never had to rely on HIM for strength as much as I did over the past couple months and it was such an amazing experience. As many tears as I shed and as many nights that I spent endlessly frustrated with my work load, it was truly a blessing and it truly "stretched me" for the better. He has a reason for EVERYTHING and while this is a phrase that I've always believed "Everything happens for a reason", I was able to truly experience it and it was an amazing journey! So my lesson...He is there as a might strong tower ALWAYS and sometimes we go through tough situations as a reminder of His Grace and His Purpose for our lives!

So that's where I'm at. The last couple months were insane and looking back I am thankful for every single challenge that I endured! I'm now stronger than I was when the quarter started and I'm ready to challenge myself and grow stronger over the next couple months.

In the meantime I'm also going to be putting ALL of my attention on prep. I actually officially put ALL of my attention on prep as soon as I left campus today! My training session tonight was great! I had a lot of energy and my cardio was awesome as well! I felt like I couldn't stop and boy did that feel great! To be 1.5 weeks away from a show and feel that good...Gosh that is GREAT! So I'm off to watch some TV...what a concept for me! I haven't had a night to just do "whatever" in forever and I'm thoroughly excited!

Can't wait to kick off tomorrow strong! Chest and a couple cardio sessions! Gotta love it!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

Tags: focused | determined

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So I haven't been on here very much lately. Let's just say that my life is SWAMPED right now. I think that my crazy schedule is finally catching up with me and I am more stressed out than ever remember.  More than anything, my school schedule is really getting to me. I've had four exams over the past two weeks and I have one more tomorrow.  On top of that, I have one group project and three papers due within the next three weeks. All this and 30 hours of work and training...Whew! So to say the least, I'm busy :) This is when I really need to remind myself how much of this is mental. I'm ultimately in control of my stress levels.  It's all about how I react to everything on my plate.  I could either look at everything that needs to be done and become very discouraged or I could look at everything to do and claim that I will get everything done and just do it! So that's what I need to do. Just do it. That's all there is to it....There's no point in worrying or stressing out because that won't get my work done! So I'm going to press into the Lord more than ever and get it all done :)

So "off season" is going great. I've been training my butt off with Peter and the girls at Snap Fitness! I've been lifting heavy and I'm getting stronger, so no complaints there! I also started working with John and Roxana Kreklo for my diet. I'm very excited to be working with them...They are amazing people and I feel so blessed to be working with them.  It's amazing how the Lord has put such amazing people in my life. My trainer, Peter, is a strong Christian and he shows his faith in all that he does. He has helped me so much over the past year and I'm very thankful to be working with him.  The Lord has also helped me cross paths with John and Roxana...They too are strong Christians and I have enjoyed seeing the Lord shine through them! So overall, I'm feeling very happy with where I'm at right now. My training is kicking major butt and my diet is going amazing as well!! I'm ready for the next several months of prep...Even though it's going to be my most difficult time to prep with my school schedule, I'm ready for the challenge. It is what you make it right?!

So that's that. I have a busy week ahead of me, but that's just fine! I'm excited to go to Tanji's Workshop this coming Saturday. For all of you Bikini, Figure and Fitness gals, Tanji holds a yearly workshop that covers all aspects of competing.  She has several people within the industry come help out and it's a great opportunity for everyone to get a head start on prep for the 2010 season. She is holding it this coming Saturday in Bellevue.  If you're interested in going, contact her through facebook or her email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I'm very excited for this and I think it will be a great way to end my stressful week :)

**“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.** --Vince Lombardi

Believe in yourself and commit to making the most of every day ahead of you! For all of you prepping for Spring shows, before we know it Spring will be here and we need to be ready!! So make it happen and BELIEVE that you can make it happen! Other than that, enjoy the ride :)

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

Tags: Mindset | Thoughts | determined

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Singularly focused!

America, I was at the chiropractor’s office one morning last week waiting to get adjusted when it hit me – the only thing I was thinking about was stuff related to the Ironman.  I remember thinking about the foods I had to prepare, my training and what I was gonna do that day, the two cardio sessions still to come, editing my music, choreographing others routines, practicing my own routine…there was absolutely nothing else I was thinking about!  I’ve reached that point to where I’m what I coined ‘singularly focused’.  It’s a state of mind which many athletes reach when dialing in for their competition/event.  For the basketball or football player it could happen the morning of the game or even a couple of hours prior to the game to where they ‘lock in’ to the upcoming event.  For Olympic athletes such as Michael Phelps it could start 6 months to a year or longer out.  For me it usually starts 3-4 weeks out.  That’s been my pattern.  Now there’s good and bad to being singularly focused.  For us (the competitors…), we’d like to think that we’re disciplined, dedicated, determined, and focused.  For those outside of our circle such as family, friends, and others, we may be considered obsessed and fanatical.  I’ve always said there’s a thin line between disciplined and obsessed, and an even thinner line between focused and fanatical. 

I passed up a birthday party for my great-niece last weekend because of this show.  Yea, yea…I know…I could have gone and taken my food and all that crap, but I know me better than you know me.  I KNEW that I’d eat some cake, pie, ribs, ‘tater salad, chips, and whatever else was there that I wanted.  Do I have discipline?  Yes I do, but I ain’t stupid, America!  I’m not gonna put my head in the lion’s mouth so to speak.  One thing would happen for sure if I’d gone and not eaten – I would have been completely and totally pissed to have all that food in front of me and not be able to touch any of it.  Once again, yea, yea…it’s my show, and I made the decision to compete, and I shouldn’t be angry – oh, cut it out America!  I’m tired, I’m hungry, I’m sick of eating the same ole’ food every single day, my legs are dead from two cardio sessions/day, I’m not getting’ anything done around my house because I can’t think straight, and when I do think straight I just don’t feel like doing anything…need I go on???  If you’re feeling the same way, then you’re on task.  Now some of you may have the willpower and discipline and mental fortitude to go out to restaurants, movies, and even the fair and do well.  That’s not in my DNA, so it’s easier for me to stay home and just make it do what it do.  But here’s a little bit of advice – if you go out, don’t complain about the foods, because you chose to go out!  I don’t want to be mad, and I don’t want to make anyone around me mad, so I keep to myself.  My discipline is at it’s strongest when I’m in my own home with my own foods. 

My sister went to the fair Saturday afternoon.  She brought back a dozen scones with her.  I love scones, America – I’ve eaten 12-15 at the fair all by myself before.  It took everything I had to not eat the scone she gave me – I put it in the freezer along with the remainder of my birthday German Chocolate Cake and all the other goodies I’m storing up for after the contest.  Speaking of storing up, I must be part squirrel – I saw one in my yard trying to bury some kind of acorn as I was heading to the freezer – we just looked at each other, nodded, and said, “Wassup?”  He went his way, I went mine.  BTW, I’m collecting anything and everything junky for after the show – so feel free to bake me a pie, cake (you know my favorite…), or anything else you think I’ll like, America.  J

As far as workouts, things are still going good.  Haven’t lost any strength yet although my bodyweight is dropping – I’m down about 2 lbs from 10 days ago.  Steve and I went back to a more conventional pyramid training today for our workouts – the last two weeks of 10x10 for at least two exercises each bodypart beat me up mentally.  They did what I wanted them to do, but I’m glad that cycle is over.  Now it’s just my normal training through the remainder of the show.  Today I started my 2^nd hour of cardio – prior to today I was doing a 60 minute and 45 minute session.  That extra 15 minutes should make all the difference these last 3 weeks.  I’ll keep a close watch on my weight, energy level, and strength, and make adjustments as needed.  As you know, I don’t follow a ‘carb up’ day, cycle or routine – I only add in good carbs such as rice, potatoes or oatmeal when absolutely necessary.  We talked about that in a couple of previous blogs, so I’m not gonna revisit it again.   After the workout we posed HARD for about 15 minutes.  I’ll outline what we did the next time I blog.   

Well America, I’m sure there was more I wanted to say, but I’m hungry,  I’m tired, I can’t remember anyway, and I just don’t care!  So I’ll holla at’cha when I holla at’cha – I’m not on a schedule like before in case you haven’t noticed.  But I will say this in parting – if you aren’t singularly focused, if this contest isn’t the dominant thought in your mind literally all day, you might want to re-evaluate doing this show.  If you aren’t sacrificing then you might want to take a peek in the mirror to make sure you still look like you’re ready for contest.  If you aren’t suffering you might want to change things up a bit.  By the end of next week you should feel like death warmed over – this week you should feel like you just got beat with a baseball bat after being run over by a Mac Truck.  Better to be ahead of the curve than behind it, and if you wait too long to attempt to play catch up…well…it’s your contest, America – do what you gotta do – no more, no less!  Peace…

The Dr.

David “Dr. Buff” Patterson

Personal Training Systems

“There Are No Shortcuts!”

www.personaltrainingsystems.net

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Mobile:  253.576.4859

Don’t give me excuses…give me results!

Tags: drive | determined | disciplined | focused

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