CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

For once, I find myself without the right words to close the chapter. The only thing I can think to say is "thank you". Thank you to Brad and Elaine for a wonderful show and again for the opportunity to share my journey through my blog. Thank you to all of the event staff who made the 2011 Emerald Cup run so smoothly and for the laughs--Gordon, you crack me up. Thank you to my fellow bloggers for your friendship and support, to my teammates who raise the bar for positive competitive spirit. Thank you to my coaches, John and Roxana Kreklo for your love, care, support and tireless efforts in crafting my nutrition and training. Thank you both for believing in me, standing by me, fighting for me and never giving up. Thank you to my suitmaker - Suits by Amy and my stylist Kris Clark with Canby Hair Design. But most importantly, thank you to my family for your unyielding love, patience and support throughout this journey. I love you so very much!

Here's a picture of my fellow Craig Bloggers...love you girls!

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Ke$ha?  Whatever.  It's stuck in my head and somewhat fitting as all around the country people are boarding planes and climbing in cars to head to the greatest amateur physique competition in the country.  Emerald Cup has arrived!

My house looks like we're fleeing the country.  I have bags packed for kids (one to each grandparent) and all of my bags, boxes and coolers.  I'm capable of traveling light but since this is a road trip (about 4 hours) and not a flight I'm a little more liberal with my packing.  I have instructions for the babies and itineraries for the Emerald Cup extravaganza.  The GPS is programmed and I'm ready to roll. 

This has been an amazing ride.  I'm so excited to hit the stage and catch up with my fellow competitors.  I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

A HUGE "thank you" to Brad and Elaine for your tireless effort in putting this show together.  I know it is a labor of love and it shows in every single detail of your event.  Thank you also for giving me the opportunity to share my random musings in this little blog. 

Best of luck to all the competitors this weekend!  I'll see you on that Snoqualmie stage.  Please say "hi" if you followed my crazy little journey. 

XOXO,  Gin

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Five days!  Wow!  Can hardly believe we've arrived.  I'm dialed in and ready to go!  Can't wait for Friday...  Like a kid at Christmas I opened my email to find an email from Elaine with our class lists.  It promises to be an awesome show.  I'm excited to hang out with a few ladies in my lineup who I find to be a riot.  No matter the outcome of the show, it will be a blast!  I always am reminded of my sorority days whenever given the chance to hang out backstage with my fellow competitors.  We giggle and crack jokes.  What else is there to do when you're strapped into an itty bitty bikini, biding your time for your turn on stage? 

So, I'm geared up to compete.  The days ahead will be filled with work, training, packing (and all the details of shipping kids off to the grandparents for the weekend)and playing with my babes.  Annie just figured out how to crawl this week and just like her mama is focused on her goals.  I wake to rustling noises from her room in the middle of the night, only to find her in there with a big stinkin' grin, on all fours, practicing her new skills.  Love my kiddos!

We're in the home stretch, burnin' down the house and ready to hit the stage!

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In my curious little journey to the stage I have had the occasion to meet a few individuals that in their own way have touched my life and helped to urge me on in times when the road was a little rocky and I was unsure of what direction to take. 

Meet Beauty and "the Beast".  Angel and Joe "the Beast" DeRousie have quietly supported my career and their encouragement and approval mean a great deal to me.  While we know little about each other beyond the competitive arena, I have a deep admiration for the commitment they have to one another and to their own personal goals.

Joe, who is equal parts heart and hulk has carved out an impressive career which includes Super Heavy Weight class and overall wins at the 2010 Emerald Cup.  Look for him to annhilate the national stage in 2011.  I know I'll be cheering him on!

Angel wowed the crowd at Tanji's 2011 Vancouver Natural with her NPC Bikini debut.  To my mind, Angel is the epitome of "bikini".  She pairs sass and class with an incredibly fit physique in one powerful punch.  Just a little thing in her warm-ups, she transforms into a force to be reckoned with when she takes the stage with a mischevious confidence that shines bright and can't help but make you take notice.  An itty bitty waist and beautifully balanced muscularity and poise, Angel's debut was nothing short of impressive.  The judges certainly paid attention, awarding her second in a very competitive class.  She'll take the Snoqualmie stage in a week at the 2011 Emerald Cup and I have every confidence she'll walk away with a tiara to match her dazzling stage presence.

Thank you Joe and Angel for your support!  I hope to make you proud at the Cup and wish you all the best in your competitive careers. 

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Feeling so excited to make the trip up to the Cup!  We have a great plan coming into this show to correct a few missteps at the Vancouver.  We added a little more food (in addition to the ton I was already getting) and are keeping the conditioning high.  I find I'm gaining a little extra strength this week...was able to row the stack for reps.  Yeah, buddy!  Not too much to report at this point other than general excitement to see my girls backstage and hang with the best production crew in the industry.  The crew that runs this show is amazing and make it so much fun!  So, we're all in...down and dirty with one week to go! 

Here's a little snap from the Vancouver.  Look for me to be a little more polished (and darker) next week. I'm excited to deliver the goods this time!  Should be much more on my game, dialed in and down for a good time!  Yay!

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Good morning!  We're coming down the wire for my favorite show of the year!  I had the chance to meet some amazing women backstage at the Vancouver.  This is one of my favorite parts of competing.  Women of all ages and walks of life come together for a few hours with one common goal--to show the hard work they've invested in preparing for a show.  I ran into women who have competed for twenty years and a great number of first timers.

I forget what it's like to step on stage for the first time.  Let's face it, how many times in your life will you skin down to a barely-there bikini that's tightly glued to your buns, step into towering heels and parade back and forth in front of an audience?  It's a pretty foreign feeling.  Factor in the emotional investment in the prep process and the countless hours devoted to training and posing practice and you have a decent number of reasons to feel a few butterflies.  Be still little belly bugs.  I promise there is nothing to fear.

First off, the hard work is done.  All that remains is to put on your best smile and walk out there like you own the joint.  Attend competitor meetings for the 411 for the day. Ask for help backstage from just about anyone if you need assistance fitting your suit properly, aren't sure where to go, or simply feel like you might throw up and need a little "atta girl".  Most of your female expeditors are competitors and know what you're going through.  Most of the men are great big teddy bears who want nothing more than the day to go smoothly and see you do well.  Listen to class call outs and be ready to line up.  If you're not sure about the order of events, ask.  Breathe deep and try to enjoy the day.

In the bright lights of the stage it's easy for the rest of the world to go blank.  Settle.  Look at the judges and smile.  They WILL smile back--reassuring you that all is right with the world so long as you remember that all quarter turns are done to the right.  Heck, even if you go left you'll only feel a little silly.  Nothing truly bad will happen.

I'll be rooting for each of you as you make your stage debut!  You'll only ever have your first show once...enjoy it!  Stay focused and train hard!

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Back in the gym yesterday after the Vancouver show.  Felt so good to dive back into my training.  I'm never one to want time off after a show.  As an athlete I am motivated by the challenge of change.  It's part of what makes me a little nuts about this sport.  Since post one of this blog I have said this gig should be tough or it's not fun.  There is little reward for me in something that's easily achieved.  I need the blood, sweat and tears.  Well, we can avoid blood and tears if possible...puke too.  Give me sweat and I'm happy.

Ipod queued up, I worked my way through my program yesterday.  It's one part training, one part therapy.  For however long it takes me to get through the routine, I am free of any burden that I carry--from work to caring for sick kids, etc.  By the time I'm done with the first set my thoughts are back on stage presentation, performance, persistance, and perfecting those little things that add the polish to my physique.  I found myself amped up for the next ten days and the competition to come.  I know what I need to change and I'm burnin' down the house to bring my best this time around.

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Good morning! Had a blast at the Vancouver yesterday.  It was like a little homecoming, catching up with competitors, event staff and photographers I haven't seen in a while. It felt great to get back on stage and do my thing.  I made some new friends and had a great time laughing it up back stage.  You girls are hysterical!  Got to meet some fellow Team Onstage Image ladies who are amazing and hands down the hardest workers I have ever met.  Respect!

Time for truth.  I have always tried to be as genuine and honest in sharing my thoughts on prep and competition and for better or worse will do the same with my feelings regarding my performance at the Vancouver.  I placed fifth in class and admittedly I had hoped for higher.  Did I deserve it?  Maybe, maybe not.  I'm not at all disappointed as a top five finish is always something to be proud of. The competition is the icing on the cake for me in the entire journey.  It's only one element that factors into how I feel about this sport--which remains the same, that I love being an athlete and cherish the relationships I have made along the way.  The actual competition, the act of getting glammed up and the presentation on stage is ALWAYS fun regardless of if I get a trophy and where I finish in the lineup.  All of these things remain true in the aftermath of the weekend.

So, the arithmatic of the actual aftermath looks like this for me...  I have some things I need to change to be better.  I don't disagree with that.  There are half a dozen little things I'd like to change that when taken as a whole could have brought the scores up a little.  I have done this long enough to know that this is an evolution of sorts, a constant ongoing effort to make small improvements that eventually dial in that final presentation.  I wasn't there last night and am working on my game plan to get it right the next time around.  I'm not disappointed or upset.  The outcome was a little different than I had hoped and it might have an effect on the plans I have/had in place for Jr. Nationals and the USA's.  I fell out of the qualification since I didn't place top two.  No worries.  Good players adjust.  It's onward and upward from here. 

Bottom line, I had a great time and it was a fantastic experience.  I'm more motivated than ever in my quest for the Cup and am excited to start the count down!  Much to be done in the next two weeks and I'm all over it!  Here we go! 

Here's a quick backstage snap of my friend Cinzia Clapp.  I so love her. She is an amazing athlete.  I'm tremendously proud of her for her accomplishments in the past few years.  She is one of my role models...awesome mom, hard worker, talented performer, tough competitor and beautiful person.  She's someone that just makes you feel happy whenever she's around. 

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I'm up and at 'em ready to roll for the Vancouver today!  Had a blast last night catching up with old friends at check-in and meeting new peeps waiting to tan.  It was so much fun seeing familiar faces -- expeditors, judges, promoters, photogs and competitors.  It's like a little reunion.  Everyone is excited and upbeat, ready to kick off the season. 

This show is a real treat because it's so close to home.  I got to sleep in my own bed last night (covered in dry-fit clothes to keep the tan off my sheets) and wake up to a little cup of coffee in my own kitchen. 

The day will be a blur but for the moment I'm savoring a few moments of peace and quiet and double checking to make sure I have all my goodies for the day--suit, shoes, competitor number, etc.  Then, it's off for one more coat of tan and to have Kris with Canby Hair Design help me get my glam on.  Back to the venue then for all-competitor meeting and then stake a claim on a little piece of cold, hard ground backstage to hurry up and wait.  I'll plug into a little Pandora radio and chill out to wait for my turn. 

Good luck to all the ladies out there!  Have fun and rock the stage.  All the hard work is done...time to shine!

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It's showtime!  The Vancouver Natural kicks off tomorrow, marking my return to the stage for 2011.  I'm really excited to see everyone and curious as to how it will turn out.  This is without a doubt the best package I've brought to the stage.  I'm really proud of the hardwork my coaching team and I have put in these past months.  I wasn't sure how things would go, having just had Annie in my belly but months before.  It seems that my body likes post-baby training. 

The kiddos are packed up to head to Grandma's.  I have a new wheelie bag for all my competition gear that I'm pretty geeked about.  It has all kinds of caddies and compartments stuffed with false eyelashes, safety pins, bandaids and whatever else a girl could want backstage.  I feel like a such a "mom"...or boyscout, always prepared.  Not much to do in the way of food prep as it's the same plan I have been on all week.  I love that there is no stress or chaos trying to "peak".  We did the hard work over the course of the last few months and we're ready.

Nothing says "love" like having your man shave your back.  I'm all set for color! All that's left to do is cram in a full work day and head up to the 'Couv for tanning and competitor check in.

Thank you all for following my journey to the Vancouver and stay tuned for round two as today marks the two week countdown to Emerald Cup!  Wish me luck!

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I'm a busy little bee this week.  Thankfully, all of the hard work is done in prep for the Vancouver as I'm otherwise engaged with a heavy workload and tending to my little people.   Had a nice little rest day yesterday and am revved up to hit it hard today.  I love that I get to keep my intensity high all the way to the stage.  It reminds me that I am an athlete first and aesthetics are the pleasing bi-product.

Need to pack up tomorrow night for the big day--suit, shoes, warm ups, styling stuff, etc.  I have a list floating around somewhere that I use show after show.  (of course I have a list....) We're also shipping the kiddos off to the grandparents for the weekend and need to get all their stuff packed and a list of instructions--naps, bottles, medicine, owies, etc.  Ah....  I'm not sure if I'm more excited about my return to the stage or the fact that I'll have two nights of uninterrupted sleep!

Almost here! I'm focused on the next three days and then my eyes are on the Emerald Cup stage!  I'm very curious to see how it'll all shake out but this is without a doubt the best package I've presented yet.  It's time to show off the hard work and have some fun with friends.  Cannot WAIT to see all my competition peeps!

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Five days out from the Vancouver and my mood could only be described as, "a peaceful, easy feeling".  I'm rested and ready to go!  I'll train hard right though Friday.  This week will involve last minute hair touch ups, nails, and skin prep.  I start using a facial self-tanner early in the week to avoid looking like a mime. It's always a real treat to walk around in public prior to a show with a face three shades darker than the rest of your body.  I just do my best to rock that look and don't give the side eye's I receive a second thought.  It only gets better as your tan fades post-show and people scoot their precious babies away from you in the elevator for fear you have a contagious skin condition.  Anyhoo...not much time to chat this morning--big work day ahead.  Vancouver here I come and then ON TO THE EMERALD CUP!

Happy Monday!

XOXO, Gin

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Feel free to skip this blog post and wait for my next heart-pounding, pre-contest thriller.  I'm hitting rewind and pause for a little reflection. 

Four years ago, I was a new mom to a three-month-old little boy, in my late twenties, just preparing for my first figure competition.  Fast forward to today, I am a new mom to a nine-month-old baby girl, in my early thirties, just preparing for my first figure competition after a one year hiatus.  The parallels provide a great platform from which to peer back over the past four years and look at the growth that's taken place.

I find myself in a much different place in spite of the similarities of stature--a few years older, a fair amount wiser and...in the words of Miss Jackson, in "control".  My buddhist family members would be able to thoughtfully comment on my frame of mind, but I feel like I have my feet planted firmly on the ground and my thoughts (while busy) are peaceful.  I think I'm able to look inward for strength and focus where a few years ago I struggled to establish this sense of calm by seeking footholds outside of myself.  Today, I find that I am self-assured, self-confident, self-motivated and secure but not self-absorbed. It may sound self-absorbed but this is my blog and I'm the subject matter so it can't help come off that way, I guess.  Feeling at peace with who I am for perhaps the first time in my life, things seem to fall into place for what I need and I'm much better at caring for the people in my life and my new-found career goals.

I have approached this comp prep with a sense of ease that has been absent in the past.  Again, I think this is the combination of growth, the fact that I'm wicked busy and can't overthink anything, and the clockwork relationship with my trainers/nutritionist.  Four years ago, I was a tangle of stress and anxiety--overwhelmed by the details that went into my final week of prep.  One week out from the 2011 Vancouver I find myself happily aware that the time draws near but am not preoccupied with any emotion apart from feeling excited to compete again and see my friends.  The mental clutter of "how will I do" "what do I need to do the get ready" "am I good enough" are faded memories. This thing we do as competitors has the ability to break you down or make you stronger.  I think it's a matter of perspective.  

All this to say, I think I'm a big girl now.  Life seems to have a nice rhythm to it.  Sometimes it sounds like a marching band on uppers but there is harmony, melody and a pleasing sense of excitement. 

This is a picture from one of our annual Dave Mathews Band gorge extravaganzas.  It's a little get-away we take each year, just Rick and me.  There's something about this that captures the way I feel--content and on top of the world, ready to face whatever life brings.  No, that's not a protein shake...offseason, baby.

One week to go...

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I'm in the home stretch for my first show of the season.  I'll hit the stage at Tanji's Vancouver show on my way to the Emerald Cup.  My prep philosophy as outlined by my trainers is pretty straight forward...change nothing.  Our goal is to have properly managed my prep from beginning to end so as to avoid any dramatic changes to water intake, nutrition and training.  Essentially, how I look now is how I'll look on stage (minus the tan and glam).  We aim to prep and not peak.  I won't drop water or do anything crazy with sodium.  No "cut and loads".  No weird supplements.  I'll keep training as I have been right up to the day of the show.  No surprises, no second guessing.  This keeps me feeling great during the shows (which are long, hard days) and eliminates any weird variables that arise from changes that my body is unaccustomed to. 

You know you're close to a show when shaving your underarms becomes nearly impossible with all lean angles and contours that come from being stage-ready.  I'll stop using lotions and other skin products to ensure great color in the next few days.  Also in the way of skin prep...time to EXFOLIATE.  I have found that plain old sugar works best for me.  It's cheap and works like a charm to get my skin ready.  Scrub up baby.  Onstage Image does all my color.  Gone are the days of rubber gloves and kitchen sponges to apply coat after coat of tan.  I remember standing naked in my bathtub on a shower curtain while poor Rick painted away for hours.  My four-month-old-son looked on from his bouncy chair.  I'm glad he was too little to remember, that could be a traumatic visual for any kid.  My bathroom looked like a crime scene with splatters of product all over the place.  I think everyone is relieved that we don't go that route anymore.

Speaking of color, I am a huge nerd and am one of the few that absolutely love to get painted!  It's how I know I've arrived.  When that first chilly coat hits the skin I kick back and relax, knowing that all the hard work is done.  It's playtime!  Jan tana aromas get the adrenaline flowing for that first step on stage.  I can't wait!

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Model.  Back.  Model.  Smile.  Enter line up.  Model.  Confident.  Call outs.  Front, side, back, side, front. 

These are the things I see in my mind's eye as I narrow my focus to take the stage.  I visualize each quarter-turn, moving around in the lineup, transition-pose-transition-pose.  In my head the story unfolds.  I see every lat spread and gentle quad sweep.  I see the judges, hear the crowd, feel the lights. By the time I hit the stage I will have walked this path a thousand times in my head. 

I am proud, poised, and polished.  I can see it.  Do you see what I see?

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We're rollin' right into the stage!  Under two weeks to the Vancouver.  I'm a happy camper, holding steady at stage condition.  Work outs are fun and the food (while I'm still trying to wrap my brain around how much and what I'm actually consuming) is awesome.  I got my Suits by Amy bling bikini!  It is amazing.  I'm so excited.  It's totally different than any suit I've worn.  SO much sparkle.  The craftsmanship is incredible.  I have one tiny alternation for it to fit like a glove.  Amy and I Skyped this weekend.  Nothing like standing in your kitchen in an itty bitty bikini with sick kids climbing your legs like mucousy marmosets, trying to show your suit maker tiny tweaks to perfect the fit.  I so appreciate her time.  It's like a personal fitting in your own home.

Speaking of mucous.  My children are sick AGAIN.  Germs are one of the glorious inevitabilities of full time day care.  I have "slept" the last two nights in Annie's rocking chair as it's the only way she (we) can get any sleep.  I wouldn't trade a second of it though.  She's such an easy kid that it feels good to be so needed.  I can scarcely sleep for gazing at how beautiful she is.  I remember these moments with Ethan and they slip away all too quickly.

So, I'm just trying to keep myself healthy.  Guzzling the fluids, doubling the vitamins and sleeping when I can.  I logged 136 hours in my last two week pay period.  Love the new job in spite of the wicked demands.  I work from home a great deal which makes life a whole lot easier, especially with food prep.  I hang out in my home office and move from one conference call/webcast to the next.  Sometimes I'm even able to switch loads of laundry with my earpiece in and chiming in on sales strategies and marketing initiatives.  Multi-task or DIE.

Train hard!  Almost there!  Enjoy the ride.  Here's a little snap from training this week...

Tags: ginny gardea | npc | Figure | Emerald Cup | Onstage Image | suits by amy | Canby Hair Design

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A beautiful portfolio goes a long way for self-promotion and posterity.  Many of us compete just for fun and want to capture our hard work on camera and others have career goals in the industry that require images.  Photo shoots can be a ton of fun and a great deal of hard work.  Perhaps the most difficult aspect is determining with whom you'll work.  There are oodles of dudes with cameras--eager to take your picture.  It's flattering!  You've worked hard to get to the stage and the recognition feels good.  Just don't be seduced by big promises or name-dropping.

If you're approached by a photographer, ask questions.  Be polite and professional but don't be shy.  Pictures last forever and you have control over how you'll be perceived. Does he have references?  Where can you view his work?  What type of shoot would he have in mind?  Is it a paid shoot or trade for print (TFP)?  If it's paid, ask very specifically about how the photographer will use the images.  Are you comfortable with the use?  Most amateur models are not compensated unless the photographer sells the images for some type of use, most often web.  Just be very clear on where your pictures will be viewed.

Protect your personal safety.  Again, ask for references and check them.  Make inquiries with other ladies and industry professionals on the credibility of the photographer.  This is not rude, it's responsible.  Your approach is everything--polite, professional, protective.  Bring someone with you to the shoot.  This is just a personal credo and not necessarily what everyone does.  My perspective is that if I'm shooting one on one with a freelance photographer that he/she should be comfortable with my bringing along a partner.  The role of this person is to be a quiet observer and not interfere with comments or suggestions.  They may be enlisted to help but are intended to be seen and not heard.  You might also try to book your time with another competitor who also plans to shoot.

Be prepared to work.  Arrive ready to shoot unless you're given other instructions.  Shoots often take place after a show, so you may have specific nutritional considerations.  Also, coming off a day on stage you'll be tired and shoots can be hard work.  Don't whine.  Smile, follow instruction, think creatively, ask questions and remember that your performance builds a reputation.  No one likes a diva.

Have fun, contribute with enthusiasm and creativity, know your limits, express them clearly and stick to your guns.

Tags: ginny gardea | npc | Figure | Emerald Cup | Onstage Image | suits by amy | Canby Hair Design

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Well the edict has been passed down...no lookey, no peeky, no weighy.  Had a nice little Skype chat with Coach yesterday.  We're looking good!  But, there's no more looking allowed.  To prevent any neurosis in these final weeks before my first show it has been habit to have me cover up and let Coach do all the evaluations from here on in.  No second guessing, just keep up the hard work and enjoy coasting into the show.  So, I'll be in my ninja gear for a little while--pants, sleeves and sassy attitude.

Tags: ginny gardea | npc | Figure | Emerald Cup | Onstage Image | suits by amy | Canby Hair Design

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With less than three weeks to go to my return to the stage and just five out from the Cup I'm cocked, locked and ready to rock...so to speak.  This prep has been a blast.  I think it's a combination of having some time off while preganant with Annie to feel refreshed and excited about the process, the nature of the training and nutrition, and the fact that I'm just seasoned enough to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy the ride.  I have not had to resort to any marathon cardio or drastic nutrition changes.  My intensity and strength have remained high throughout which fuels my motivation to kill it in my training sessions. 

The fact that I'm still eating 3+ carb servings a day (pasta, bread, rice, quinoa, oats, etc.) and even some cheese and fruit is almost more difficult to tackle mentally than going without.  It's easy to get brainwashed on the "rules" of comp prep.  Turns out, there are no rules...just hard work and discipline.  We have found a great balance in this prep.  I'm really excited about the package I'm bringing to the stage this year.  I have balanced out my trouble spots and have a good ratio of muscular development and conditioning.  Factor in some fun styling choices and a pretty new bling bikini and this girl is ready to slip on the heels and go for it!  How will it all turn out?  Who knows...I have reached a point where I don't think about that too much.  Do I want to be recognized for all this hard work and sacrifice? You betcha!  Right now, I'm just on cruise control--feeling focused and loving every minute of the challenges I tackle in the gym and the little last minute things that go into polishing my final presentation.

One of the greatest things to come out of this season so far is that I find that I'm connecting with people in a way never before.  I don't know why exactly but I seem to have people approaching me in the gym more often--asking questions, lending support, and finding inspiration of their own from my crazy hard work.  I had a really nice mature gentleman approach me a few days ago...  He prefaced his comments by humbling saying that he was a happily married grandpa and NOT flirting but wanted to tell me that he'd never seen anyone who looks the way that I do.  We shook hands and chatted by the barbell rack.  After a bit, he asked if I would wait so that he could get his daughter.  He pulled her off the cardio deck to make introductions.  They both went on to encourage me in my journey.  Before we said our adieu's he thanked me.  For what, I asked.  He sort of shrugged and said, "Thank you for showing people what's possible."  Wow.  What a compliment!  I'm tremendously grateful for the growing support coming out of Club Fit--the Raines', Tom and Shannon, Katie, Wendy, Lori, Tonia, and everyone else!

There is also one heck of a team coming out of Onstage Image this year.  I'm so excited to have had some of my very favorite girls come on board (Ryan and Heather).  I'm also getting to know some teammates who have been on the roster but haven't had a chance to meet (Kim, Tabitha and othes). I'm in the company of some killer competitors who share my enthusiasm for making the process fun.  Love ya ladies!  The camraderie is a huge motivator.  I'm also inspired by a friend of mine and her husband who are not competitors but have joined the team and are making amazing life changes.  Their daily dedication and progress is awesome.

So, I probably ought to get to work.  I receive about 75-100 emails daily and none of them are spam.  Time's a wastin'.  Final countdown to the 2011 season is underway and I am excited!

Tags: 2011 NPC Figure | Emerald Cup | suits by amy | Onstage Image | Kris Clark | Canby Hair Design | ginny gardea

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Ah!  I have a new look...  Can't wait to see how it looks on stage.  Going to keep it stealth until the Vancouver.  Fun, fun, fun! 

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