Quest for Greatness and my Pro Card in FBB at 2012 Nationals! *Butterflies*

[athleticvanessa]

Hello ladies! Going to give this training journal thread a go! Follow along with me as I build up my composer and consistency to continue my quest for my Pro Card!

I recently made the decision with my mentor and consulted with a very good coach that with my natural muscular build and stature pros/cons, that female bodybuilding is a better suited category for me. As nervous as I am, I am also very much excited as this means new challenges and adventures to make this training season a sight for sore eyes! I'm blessed to be able to enjoy doing what I love and helping other in reaching their goals and continuing their feats of greatness as well!

I began competing in figure on local level committees like WBFC, NGA, and SNBF in which I obtained my figure pro card with SNBF back in 2010. Then with the debut of Women's Physique in 2011, I attempted one last show in NPC figure to make sure I was on the right track and getting my stage jitters out of the way before I debuted in WPD at the 2011 IFBB North American's. After that show I took to mind the critiques this year competed in two shows one was most recently the NPC Team Universe Championships. While not completely shocked at my placing despite my minor technical difficulties I experienced throughout the last couple days leading up to the competition. Despite drama back home an early and heavy period causing me to bloat, digestive issues...you name it! I was calm when after glancing over the room at my fellow competitors, I had an epiphany. Finishing 12th out of 17th, which to me was worse than finishing 11th our of 25 like in the previous national show, I still was calm and actually somewhat relieved as the echoing voices of my peers rang loudly as I reminisced on past shows. "I want to be a bodybuilder!" Trying not to snort as I held in the laughter of my own joke as I remember the youTube video 'I want to be a bodybuilder', I sat in amazement and proceeded to cheer on the rest of the WPD and then the FBB'ers too. I sat gleeming and daydreaming as the beautiful women of bodybuilding approached the stage; Wow! Someone who I look to as my body idol would be Glenese Hernadez who won her pro card that night as well as the amazing and RxGirl's very own Gail Auerbach! These ladies were pocket bite size beauties like myself and it was so inspirational to sit and watch them like I've sat before when I was a small child and my mother and I would watch Carla Dunlap and Lynda Murray on TV as we sipped on our Joe Weider protein shakes loaded with all the good stuff! I feel like I owe this to my mother for not being able to live out her dream of competing while she raised me as a single mom and soldier in the Army. I owe it to my own children who I teach to NEVER GIVE UP on something you can't go a day without in your life! She doesn't understand why I strive to compete now, years later, but hopefully someday she will be able to swallow her pride and cheer me on, as it was because of her passion for this sport that I am not giving up on my dreams of being one of the greats in history one day! Im not giving up on my goal of turning pro!
So, it didn't work out for me in figure, and seemingly so it isn't going well for me in physique either. So ladies, I'm now swallowing my pride and following my heart in the 'Quest for Greatness'! as a female bodybuilder!
Follow me along the next 14 weeks to the Atlanta Nationals~~~ Let's Go!

For up to date posts and progress pics, feel free to check out my athlete page on facebook--->>
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chick-DieselMuscle-Gauge-Nutrition/446613732034851

And If you are ever in the Atlanta area and up for a friendly workout, I love meeting new people and other competitors and sharing the love for iron while getting in a great workout! Just PM me!

Many blessing and love to all:-)

[athleticvanessa]

Tomorrow is an early rise...I need to run by the VA Regional office in the downtown area to take care of some paperwork at the hospital and I'm sooooo not looking forward to that. Ugh! But, afterwards...I will attempt a four hour stent at one of my favorite places...Lifetime Fitness! A two gym workout, maybe fit in a yoga class for some much needed relaxation, some rock climbing with the boys, then perhaps some basketball and finish with swimming in the pools. Wish me luck! It will be the fourth time I've worked out since the show. :-(
I don't know if it is just my tolerance or bout of female woes...yes, I think my period is coming again...but I am still in "recovery" mode from TeamU. My body is starting to finally not feel so achey, but I am in serious need of a myofacial release session with deep tissue massage!!! ugh! Guess I will have to settle for the hot tub tomorrow after my workout.

[The Prodigy]

Welcome To RX Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you are here!!! I am here to support you in anyway I can!!! Never hesitate to contact me!!!

[athleticvanessa]

Welcome To RX Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you are here!!! I am here to support you in anyway I can!!! Never hesitate to contact me!!!
Thanks Gail!
Yes! Will do!

[athleticvanessa]

What a day! What a day!
Wow!!! So as planned I had a very productive day and Im most peoud of myself for getting a much needed "back on the wagon" workout in the books and my boys and I enjoyed a sort of cloudy, muggy,yet dry day by the pool;-) i got in for a little but was more interested in vegging after grinding my back and shoulders with cardio for two hours on my second day back since two weeks ago! Yeah! Im a nut! But I love feeling HAM everytime I workout, not much for going in the gym to half ass anything!!!
Came home and also as planned I wanted to startclearing out the post show junk food that remained in our cupboards and fridge. I made a good fresh and clean meal with bison (love it) and a moderate amount of carbs to assist me in my heavy leg workout and cardio, my diet was sparse throughout the day since I neglected to pack anything more than protein powders and recovery fuel...but I enjoyed my meal and a glass of Spanish champagne to go with my sprouted blue corn tortilla wrapped bison tacos and spicy guacamole!!! Satisfying indeed! A little work and writing online and now Im in bed writing this as we speak! Sleepy! And excited for day three tomorrow! Goodnight<3

[juiceinator3000]

bison is awesome. enjoying your quest so far :)

[The Prodigy]

Where do you get your bison from?

[athleticvanessa]

bison is awesome. enjoying your quest so far :)
Yes! I have a nice NY strip thawing preparing for marinating for tomorrow nights meal :-) Trying to decide if I want Barramundi or Snapper tonight though... Still have two more meals to go...Thanks for the support!

[athleticvanessa]

Where do you get your bison from?
I prefer to get it exclusively from Whole Foods because I like to buy other cuts such as flank, strip steaks, and short ribs when cooking something special. The ground there is great, but it went up to $10.99/lb and I can still get it at the kosher grocer for $8.99 a pound but they are the prepackaged bricks...
They have a good selection at the international market in downtown Atlanta but i dont like the taste, could be because its a mixture of grain fed buffalo and they are from a different region.
I wrote a great article on bison as a prime red meat source not to long ago. Feel free to check it out at:
Www.GettingShredded.com
"Bison!!! It's what's for dinner!"

[athleticvanessa]

Soooo...what a crazy past couple days! Of any of you teaders are on my fb you already know the nightmare I was subjected to and now that I am aware of it, Im no longer going allow myself to continue to be used and manipulated! For women out there who dont have a voice of there own, I will stand strong and continue to fight for the awareness of abuse towards women! Remember just because a man does not hit you doesnt mean the disrespect and mistreatment is not abuse as well. From personal experience this abuse is far worse as it tends to damage our self worth and personal integrity. But I am blessed to say that over the years and since learning how to process these emotions and free myself from an abusive relationship I am able to strongly stand up after a fall and continue with my head held high!
We are makers of our own destiny and shouldn't allow anyone or anything deter us from living a life thats healthy and fulfilling! I am already stronger than I was yesterday and I will continue to accept these lessons as I mature and trust I can help others in similar situations along the way.

With that being said, I want to leave you all with a quote on forgiveness...



http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/4star.gif http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/ThumbsUp.gif http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/ThumbsDwn.gif“Forgiveness is not the misguided act of condoning irresponsible, hurtful behavior. Nor is it a superficial turning of the other cheek that leaves us feeling victimized and martyred. Rather it is the finishing of old business that allows us to experience the present, free of contamination from the past.

[athleticvanessa]

“Forgiveness is not the misguided act of condoning irresponsible, hurtful behavior. Nor is it a superficial turning of the other cheek that leaves us feeling victimized and martyred. Rather it is the finishing of old business that allows us to experience the present, free of contamination from the past."

[athleticvanessa]

After a grueling morning spin class with a girl friend of mine on Monday, we did a bit of legs and I superset with light shoulders. I sat in the whirlpool after and tried to relax and stretch seeing as I hadnt slept a wink of sleep since Sunday morning! Tired and lethargic I still didnt want to stop or go home for that matter! But listening to good friends who cared about my welfare I went home and attempted to get some rest!

I took tuesday off! Well from the gym anyway ;-) i had a bit of errands and baking to do and a demo for the supplement company I represent! It was a decent day! Had a blast at the demo and then got a night of much needed sleep!

So here we are to today! Whooohoo! Thank goodness the week is almost over! I will be leaving to visit my big sis in Jacksonville, FL for the weekend and Im not gonna lie...i am gonna let my hair down! Especially since Im newly single and the summer is almost over!
But until then, there still 'Aint No Rest For The Wicked'!
Since Im a bit a ways from my next comp still I will do a moderately heavy day in the gym this evening followed by an hour of cardio! Gonna be working those delts and some abs too!
Time to get my preworkout meal in with some energy help!!!
Ttyl!
~V

[juiceinator3000]

Yes! I have a nice NY strip thawing preparing for marinating for tomorrow nights meal :-) Trying to decide if I want Barramundi or Snapper tonight though... Still have two more meals to go...Thanks for the support!
Barramundi and snapper. I like your style :) Barramundi is excellent fish

[juiceinator3000]

Ehh read your post from before :( sorry for you. No one deserves to be mistreated :/

[The Prodigy]

I prefer to get it exclusively from Whole Foods because I like to buy other cuts such as flank, strip steaks, and short ribs when cooking something special. The ground there is great, but it went up to $10.99/lb and I can still get it at the kosher grocer for $8.99 a pound but they are the prepackaged bricks...
They have a good selection at the international market in downtown Atlanta but i dont like the taste, could be because its a mixture of grain fed buffalo and they are from a different region.
I wrote a great article on bison as a prime red meat source not to long ago. Feel free to check it out at:
Www.GettingShredded.com (http://Www.GettingShredded.com)
"Bison!!! It's what's for dinner!"

I should have you writing articles for RX Girl!!!

Have you ever ordered from here:
http://www.grasslandbeef.com/StoreFront.bok?affiliate_no=352

[Bronwyn]

good luck in your quest

[athleticvanessa]

good luck in your quest

Thank you!

[athleticvanessa]

I should have you writing articles for RX Girl!!!

Have you ever ordered from here:
http://www.grasslandbeef.com/StoreFront.bok?affiliate_no=352

Girl you don't even have to ask! I just emailed you an article if you'd like to post it!

[athleticvanessa]

Ehh read your post from before :( sorry for you. No one deserves to be mistreated :/
Thanks dude, but "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!" RIGHT?!?!?! RIGHT?!?! lol...
One day my prince will come...

[athleticvanessa]

:-)
I'm a chef, so you know...(dusting shoulders off) I can do a lil' somethin' somethin'. LOL

[athleticvanessa]

So for a little over a week I was in what I would describe as a "technology inferno"! Well, not completely, I still had my cellphone, but my laptop had gotten a nasty virus from spyware or malaware or dinnerware-whatever! haha! Well, I wasn't laughing when it occurred! I have never had this happen before to any of my laptops or computers and so I was in a bit of a panic! I hadn't opened up any crazy emails or watched porn or anything like that! I swear! But come to find out the same time we found out my computer was infected, my friend's bank card was also hit! They had placed an order online using my computer a few weeks back and then a week following there bank account began getting hit from a couple different online companies! Weird right! I'm sketchy about even using EBAY sometimes, but the technical genius the fixed my computer was able to filter starting culprit and origin and we took the info to the bank and come to find out his account wasn't the only one that got hit during that week!
Anyhow, computer was return back to my possession a few days ago and I've been eager to get back to my thread to update you all on my somewhat of decent past week.
Firstly, I'm a hormonal hot mess the last couple days actually, got my period, ugh! But aside from today, I haven't skipped a beat as the 14th week away from Nationals comes to a close soon. Business for the bakery has been extremely slow so I've been looking for suitable employment almost anywhere with openings, put my extra two rooms up for rent in my home, and working on a business proposal as well! So busy, busy, busy, worry, worry, worry! UGH! Wish I could stress less, but I'm a Virgo and we are over achievers and over analyzers! ugh! Guess that means I'm doomed! lol! Just kidding! But, I'm taking it day by day and continuing to keep my blessings and prayers accounted for :-)
On the training front, I've eased into what I would consider a good IDLE-SEASON weight (128ish) that I am hoping to maintain give or take a little here and there as I try out a few different angles and such. I'm not going to lie though...I'm kind of bored!!!! I miss the frequent visits to my gym in one day or the hectic pre-contest jitters! But, they will all be back before I know it, because November is only a few months away!
One thing that is a little frustrating though is my lack of strength and stamina, well I am attributing the last few gym sessions to the PMS and all, but I was a little bummed that my strength is still relatively low for me being so far out from show. So I made some more adjustments in my diet and training...more carbs, less cardio...So far, so good! I worked on one of my lagging muscles last night in a heavy three exercise circuit featuring:Seated lateral raises on the free motion machine (in which i did wave sets starting at 30lbs and ending at 60lbs), Lateral Cable raises behind the body(wave sets 12-20lbs), then finished with the UBE machine on a slow high resistance pull for 60 seconds, resting on alow resistance push for 60 seconds for a total of 5 minutes, then finishing up with some SS cardio on the elliptical.
I felt like I had a decent workout consider my time frame of only having an hour and still feeling quite sore and full from my heavy ass chest and tris workout on Sunday with a buddy of mine! Geeze...seriously! Sore! But I like it! lol
Well,
kiddies...it's awfully late, well early, my brain is fried and I feel my attempt to continue to articulate any sense and put it in a sentence will just zap me of all energy left! I've been a little off on my sleep as of late thanks to Aunt Flo!!!! grrrrr!!! But anyhoo! Big day tomorrow~more job hunting and then training hammies in the evening!!! Whoohooo!!!
Goodnight and Sweet dreams!

[juiceinator3000]

:-)
I'm a chef, so you know...(dusting shoulders off) I can do a lil' somethin' somethin'. LOL
Lol. I'm not a chef but I can fuck around in a kitchen ;) well, with food I mean.. I cook well is what I'm trying to say and none of that came out well

[Bronwyn]

Great you are in your ideal weight. And 14 weeks is close, you will be back in "rush" sooner than you will want :D ;)
Scary with the computer, that is why I still did not activate my online banking....

[athleticvanessa]

Lol. I'm not a chef but I can fuck around in a kitchen ;) well, with food I mean.. I cook well is what I'm trying to say and none of that came out well

haha!
That's funny! So, are you challenging me to a cook off?!?! Pick a protein! Create an original recipe! Record it and post it here!
Do you accept?!?!

[athleticvanessa]

Great you are in your ideal weight. And 14 weeks is close, you will be back in "rush" sooner than you will want :D ;)
Scary with the computer, that is why I still did not activate my online banking....

yeah, ugh. Well, when you put it like that then, yeah...sounds soon! Sheesh! lol...

[juiceinator3000]

haha!
That's funny! So, are you challenging me to a cook off?!?! Pick a protein! Create an original recipe! Record it and post it here!
Do you accept?!?!I don't do recipes lol. I grab whatever goes and I have and go to town. But if I'm picking one its ribeye but my b*tch ex stole my cast iron pans so it's not the same until I get a new set. I won't eat steak or fish anywhere out because they can't fux with mine. Just sayin ;)

[athleticvanessa]

I don't do recipes lol. I grab whatever goes and I have and go to town. But if I'm picking one its ribeye but my b*tch ex stole my cast iron pans so it's not the same until I get a new set. I won't eat steak or fish anywhere out because they can't fux with mine. Just sayin ;)

"I don't do recipes." took the words right out of my mouth! I really don't either! It's rare to catch me actually "measure" anything with something other than my eyes! lol...But what I should have said, was an "original dish".
LOL...
So how partial are you to your pans? How else would you prepare it?
BTW...my ex husband (who doesn't cook either!) took all mine to be spiteful, but I went to Goodwill and picked up some pretty cool digs for the kitchen along with two cast iron pots/skillets!

[juiceinator3000]

She might as well have taken my balls along with them. I still throw down but it's not the same. Because I always used to cook for a bit on the stove and then stick it under the broiler to get that shit crispy on the outside. I had a special cast grill pan that was my absolute favorite. And then my big pan too. Had a little one that I rarely used because I barely ever cool anything in a small pan (what's the point I'm gonna eat it all anyway, might as well have some for later) but pans and gas stove are really a necessity :( also.. Chilean sea bass. Another favorite of mine to cook. I almost have a recipe for that. But not really. I don't believe in them. And rice with everything. Rice and beans, rice and peas, whatever I cook it all.

[athleticvanessa]

She might as well have taken my balls along with them. I still throw down but it's not the same. Because I always used to cook for a bit on the stove and then stick it under the broiler to get that shit crispy on the outside. I had a special cast grill pan that was my absolute favorite. And then my big pan too. Had a little one that I rarely used because I barely ever cool anything in a small pan (what's the point I'm gonna eat it all anyway, might as well have some for later) but pans and gas stove are really a necessity :( also.. Chilean sea bass. Another favorite of mine to cook. I almost have a recipe for that. But not really. I don't believe in them. And rice with everything. Rice and beans, rice and peas, whatever I cook it all.

It's your dish! Sea bass sounds good though! I love riiiiiiiiice! lol! now I'm getting silly! Gotta get some rest so I can operate today!!!
But, I have an Emeril cast iron grill with hand, it's deep and heavy and nice, but I rarely use it! If you are interested, I will ship it to you! you can cover the shipping though! lol This thing is heavy! lol

[The Prodigy]

This thread is getting interesting! Cook off..I will determine the winner!

[athleticvanessa]

Today....*SIGH*...Today.

Okay, so insomnia, finally uplifted a little this weekend to let me get some much needed rest. I didn't get as productive this weekend as I did last weekend, and for that I am of course kicking myself!!! I let a few personal issues get the best of me! Emotionally and mentally, I let them defeat me! I'm so fed up with this mess! I can't say I've given up, because I haven't! I won't! It's just not in me, not matter how hard the odds are against me...I WILL FIGHT THROUGH THIS! When I normally fall back on my sport and accomplish amazing workout personal best and such, I lacked big time this weekend! UGH! I didn't even go to the gym until today! That's three days in a row I missed. Slept. yes. But, I also ate. And ate. And ate. Not like it was a whole bunch of good stuff since our cabinets are almost empty...but it was stuff I had no business eating! At all!!! As for the lack of food in the house, a good friend of mine got us some groceries and I cooked up a big dinner for the boys. Nice and fatty for a couple growing boys, but I go some yogurt to add to my protein shakes, and I will stick to a better and cleaner diet this week for sure! Hoping the job hunt is successful this week...still praying for a call back. I'm praying. I have prayers. I know this will get better. It just can't possibly get any worse! Things will get better! God, will continue to keep watch on us as we try to rebuild.
My gym workout for today was a good hour and a half of an upperbody circuit:
T-Row-wave sets 10x6x4x6x10
superset underhand rows 10x reps
Arnold Press, wave sets, building my strength back up. 25lbsx10reps, 35lbsx8, 40lbsx6reps, 35lbsx8,25x10
Standing Lateral Raises...holding DB underhand thumbs out...6 reps super-set with seated lateral raise, 6 reps=3 sets
WG Lateral PD, 8 reps x 3 sets, supert set with low cable rows, single hand. 6 reps
Finish with 20 minutes=HIIT on stairmaster.

Tomorrow is a new day.
I'm on the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

[athleticvanessa]

Today is already off to a better start! Yes, and the sun isn't even up yet :-) It's 4:17am. It's Monday everyone! Day for productivity and positivity!
*Many blessings*

[juiceinator3000]

Today....*SIGH*...Today.

Okay, so insomnia, finally uplifted a little this weekend to let me get some much needed rest. I didn't get as productive this weekend as I did last weekend, and for that I am of course kicking myself!!! I let a few personal issues get the best of me! Emotionally and mentally, I let them defeat me! I'm so fed up with this mess! I can't say I've given up, because I haven't! I won't! It's just not in me, not matter how hard the odds are against me...I WILL FIGHT THROUGH THIS! When I normally fall back on my sport and accomplish amazing workout personal best and such, I lacked big time this weekend! UGH! I didn't even go to the gym until today! That's three days in a row I missed. Slept. yes. But, I also ate. And ate. And ate. Not like it was a whole bunch of good stuff since our cabinets are almost empty...but it was stuff I had no business eating! At all!!! As for the lack of food in the house, a good friend of mine got us some groceries and I cooked up a big dinner for the boys. Nice and fatty for a couple growing boys, but I go some yogurt to add to my protein shakes, and I will stick to a better and cleaner diet this week for sure! Hoping the job hunt is successful this week...still praying for a call back. I'm praying. I have prayers. I know this will get better. It just can't possibly get any worse! Things will get better! God, will continue to keep watch on us as we try to rebuild.
My gym workout for today was a good hour and a half of an upperbody circuit:
T-Row-wave sets 10x6x4x6x10
superset underhand rows 10x reps
Arnold Press, wave sets, building my strength back up. 25lbsx10reps, 35lbsx8, 40lbsx6reps, 35lbsx8,25x10
Standing Lateral Raises...holding DB underhand thumbs out...6 reps super-set with seated lateral raise, 6 reps=3 sets
WG Lateral PD, 8 reps x 3 sets, supert set with low cable rows, single hand. 6 reps
Finish with 20 minutes=HIIT on stairmaster.

Tomorrow is a new day.
I'm on the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
Ur on the job hunt too? Fun times right :/ at least it leaves plenty of time to train that's about the only plus of that. And as soon as I get my lazy ass up I'm taking care of that :) and yea.. CT sucks.

[curvygirl]

Many blessings to you V!

I am enjoying your journal...currently a hormonal mess myself with funky relationship stress
and I too am a Virgo sister! LOL! So yuppers, a sister overachiever & over analyzer!

Good for you on following your heart's desire! It sounds to me that the fire & passion for WBB is still
very much alive and strong for some women! I flew on over to FB and added you! Will be sure to follow
you along your journey to Atlanta!

Wishing you all the best mama! Peace!

[juiceinator3000]

Many blessings to you V!

I am enjoying your journal...currently a hormonal mess myself with funky relationship stress
and I too am a Virgo sister! LOL! So yuppers, a sister overachiever & over analyzer!

Good for you on following your heart's desire! It sounds to me that the fire & passion for WBB is still
very much alive and strong for some women! I flew on over to FB and added you! Will be sure to follow
you along your journey to Atlanta!

Wishing you all the best mama! Peace!I think this is not just a woman thing. Must just be that time of the year :/

[athleticvanessa]

Ur on the job hunt too? Fun times right :/ at least it leaves plenty of time to train that's about the only plus of that. And as soon as I get my lazy ass up I'm taking care of that :) and yea.. CT sucks.

Yeah, leaves free time to train, but I'm so far behind in my gym membership, I feel like I'm sneaking on! ugh! I cooked some food for a friend today though, so I was able to put $40 towards my $103 balance! yikes! But I'm so glad they are cool enough to have let me go this long! It's my "Happy Place" I don't know what I'd do without it! :-(
Besides, when my roommates pack their stuff on the truck this week, the spin bike, and the treadmill (which is broke as of last month) will be gone and I will definitely be left with going outdoors to run! Which don't get me wrong, I like, but it has to be early in the morning on the trails because there aren't any lights at night! I'm too chicken shit to run at night alone. I freak when a run up on a dear and they freeze and I freeze and we just stare at each other, as clips of old episode of "When Animals Attack" flood through my mind! Ahhh!...Steeping back SLLLLLOOOWLY....I dash home ending the run short! lol!

[athleticvanessa]

Many blessings to you V!

I am enjoying your journal...currently a hormonal mess myself with funky relationship stress
and I too am a Virgo sister! LOL! So yuppers, a sister overachiever & over analyzer!

Good for you on following your heart's desire! It sounds to me that the fire & passion for WBB is still
very much alive and strong for some women! I flew on over to FB and added you! Will be sure to follow
you along your journey to Atlanta!

Wishing you all the best mama! Peace!

Well, thank you hun! And yes...us VIRGO are very sweet nurturing and loyal people, I just wish we could be psychic too! But, you know what another trait us VIRGO's have that's embedded in our soul!?!?! DETERMINATION!!! (well, chinese zodiac might say stubborn, but ahhh....sure...stubborn, because I WONT BACK DOWN BITCH! lol)
But yes,
I will be here if you ever wanna vent as I vent or just need a little pick me up! I will need to post from my mobile here because I wanted to include todays workout. But welcome to my Quest love! Fasten your seatbelts...It's gonna be a bumpy yet victorious ride! lol

[athleticvanessa]

I think this is not just a woman thing. Must just be that time of the year :/

I hope so JUICE cause I sure was staring at myself in the mirror today wondering what the hell did we do this summer the reason why it went by so fast?!?! Then I remembered...oh...right...A show in June...A show in July...yeah...it did stretch out long enough, but went by quick enough that it's almost time for the teriyaki terrors (my nickname for my children who are half Asian, lol) to get back in school!! whooohoo!
So mister JUICE, are you branching out of your field of expertise like me when it come to looking for appropriate or hell, somewhate adequate work?

[athleticvanessa]

See! I knew there was a reason I've always loved Mondays!
~Ask And It Is Given~ great book im reading during steady state cardio at the gym after I train. I'd like to share with you the following exercise taught in this book of taking your current mind state and changing the energy to positive and leading your day and endig your nights with its sure to bring imminent happiness and gratitude to even common things like..."It's Monday." and thurn it into...
It's Monday! The new beginning to a productive and properous week ahead! I extended this postive energy of appreciating the NOW in each of our lives and making ourselves open and willing to accept the blessing that would be bestowed unto you for acknedging and accepting positive energy! We control that. We can pass that on to one and other and contiue to be blessed by its origin.

Okay...you awake??!? Hey! Did I loose you already? Lol i was just getting to the good part!

[athleticvanessa]

Sent off my business proposal to the president of the company that sponsors me currently. Fingers crossed everything works out and I will be accepting a new paid position here soon! (*Please God*) My family needs this blessings! I was somewhat relieved in fact once, I edited and then pressed submit! I was so nervous and procrastinating battling anxiously over formulating this business proposal, because I was technically creating an all new job position for myself that was not yet implemented in the company.
But, yes...the rest of the day was smooth...at least for my point of view. Nothing was stressing to say the least. I mapped out tomorrow's plans already as well and I will also write out my training program for tomorrow as well.
Made some protein brownies, and a bday cupcake for the ex (yes, I know I'm too nice! lol But it had a tricky sparkling candle on top!), and some breakfast bread for the boys in the morning! Oh! oh! oh! I also am soaking some freshly pick blueberries from the yard in Chambord, a red raspberry liquor that I will turn into a compote/jam with just a hint of mint and raspberry liquor.
So when in doubt BAKE! BAKE! BAKE!!!
~Culinary Therapy~

Set the pace for a wonderfully amped evening at the gym!!! Quads!!! Dun! Dun! Dun!

[juiceinator3000]

I hope so JUICE cause I sure was staring at myself in the mirror today wondering what the hell did we do this summer the reason why it went by so fast?!?! Then I remembered...oh...right...A show in June...A show in July...yeah...it did stretch out long enough, but went by quick enough that it's almost time for the teriyaki terrors (my nickname for my children who are half Asian, lol) to get back in school!! whooohoo!
So mister JUICE, are you branching out of your field of expertise like me when it come to looking for appropriate or hell, somewhate adequate work?
Yea I'm applying and sending resumes to places I have no experience in whatsoever. And I don't care anymore. Eventually someone's gonna hire me. In the meantime I got enough hustle to get by but I just yearn for a job where I can work, go to the gym, have insurance for once and a vacation a year. I've never had that. God 2 shows already this year I'd be miserable. I have the rest of the year off I'll hit one up in 2013 :)

[athleticvanessa]

Well, deary your skillet goes out tomorrow and perhaps you can add culinary chef to the list of trades for "odd jobs" to get by!

[juiceinator3000]

Well, deary your skillet goes out tomorrow and perhaps you can add culinary chef to the list of trades for "odd jobs" to get by!
Lol I should just go cook and pack meals for all the people who are too lazy to do it themselves. And can't wait for that skillet you don't even know! But from week to week I always get by :)

[athleticvanessa]

OMG! Okay! So it's not official, but I just book a paid gig catering a three day even and they sent me the moeny up front! Whoo! Whoo! Not only can I continue getting the boys things for school which starts next week, I can also get some much need food and pantry items to fill our shelves until our EBT comes in! Yes! Praise him!

[athleticvanessa]

OMG! Okay! So it's not official, but I just book a paid gig catering a three day even and they sent me the moeny up front! Whoo! Whoo! Not only can I continue getting the boys things for school which starts next week, I can also get some much need food and pantry items to fill our shelves until our EBT comes in! Yes! Praise him!

[athleticvanessa]

OMG! Okay! So it's not official, but I just book a paid gig catering a three day even and they sent me the moeny up front! Whoo! Whoo! Not only can I continue getting the boys things for school which starts next week, I can also get some much need food and pantry items to fill our shelves until our EBT comes in! Yes! Praise him!

GReat! I'm really praying this isn't a fraud! Just went to the bank because the send had be communicating with me about the check for over a week now. And then after it was deposited and disappeared. They are acting all brand new! The bank has now closed dowon both of my accounts for investigating this fraudulent check I received and and out of my weekend gig! Back to the draw board! oh well! But for now! Some much needed sleep so I can attack it in the gym tonight!!!!

[athleticvanessa]

ugh! grrrr! OMG! OKay, seriously It's bout time to embrace some 'Laws of Attraction'! The check was indeed a fraud, and the people even tried to deposit another check into my account, so the bank had two close both accounts soon. And well, all I can say is thank god I have a reliable credit union! Just wish there were more branches around GA!
SO I came home and crashed as promised and woke up like I had a good night...er...umm...afternoon rest! With a game plan set in my head since yesterday, that its me against the world and we are gonna do big things...my phone alerts me of some missed calls! One, being my coach...the other was a call for a job interview in the culinary field at one of my favorite places in the WHOLE wide world! I;m super stoked. I will be meeting with her tomorrow afternoon and trust that the hiring process goes as quickly as the recruiting process! yipee! Pray for me guys! I thank you all for following along! Told you it was gonna be bumpy! But, IT"S SO FREAKING WORTH IT IN THE END! Just wait!
So I got to the gym and proceeded to smash some heavy loads of chest/tris/ant.delts....a few wave sets, and supersets later and then I was zonked and ready for my cardio. I've been wanting to try out different apparatuses at my gym to keep things exciting, so today I did a go workout on the elliptical with the resistance at 12 out of 20 and proceed to the treadmill after 35 minutes, to walk uphil and the highest ours go for a slow pace for 10 minutes as I educated one of my nutrition clients on the difference between atkins and keto and the whys and whys of so many things that I finally was done with my workout! LOL! He is lucky we go back all the way to my track and field days! lol
Homeward bound, as a list of things to do this week begins to pile up and I smile and sigh slightly without a single drop of anxiety for the matters at all! All I can say is...GOOD THINGS ARE IN MY FUTURE and thank you god for blessing me with yet another productive day.
P.S. I'm down 2 pounds! whooohooo

[athleticvanessa]

Yippeee !!! On the up and up! Meaning things are showing improvement in all realms of my life! My physique is responding well to the new diet and im down to 125lbs! Yippee! Then it gets even better!!!! Im in the third round of interviews for a chef position and I may also get to start doing marketing for MGN full time too! So for this...all of this im truly blessed and thankful! I am so excited to embark on these career opportunities and the icing on the cake you ask??? I kinda have a new crush whos friendly support only reinforces my confidence! Things are good :-)

[athleticvanessa]

Yippeee !!! On the up and up! Meaning things are showing improvement in all realms of my life! My physique is responding well to the new diet and im down to 125lbs! Yippee! Then it gets even better!!!! Im in the third round of interviews for a chef position and I may also get to start doing marketing for MGN full time too!
On top of that, my boys are pretty much set to start 1st grade monday and Ive been able to start with a training coach to prepare for "Greatness" at Nationals!
So for this...all of this im truly blessed and thankful! I am so excited to embark on these career opportunities and the icing on the cake you ask??? I kinda have a new crush whos friendly support only reinforces my confidence! Things are good :-)

[athleticvanessa]

Six days of training straight...took Saturday off! Much needed too! Staying on my diet and looking forward to smashing shoulders Sunday morning!

[athleticvanessa]

Eeekkk! Omg! Rob Sims is going to be in Atlanta for a few eventful days and Im hoping to shoot with him if all goes as planned. So im about a week into my new diet and i couldnt believe how much carbs I could eat, well omitting the fat though. Cant mess with my nuts man! But this time, its a must fir me to get ssssshhhhhhredded! Yes! I dropped three pounds in a week and that was with single cardio sessions! Holy mackrel! Im kinda digging this whole fbb thing! Awww...shucks! Seriously this has been a lOng time coming. My switch to fbb that is...guess I was confused whether my pretty girl swag would get lost after all those years of being pegging the geeky tomboy and to grace the stage as a figure competitor at one time, its almost like the ugly duckling story. Only this time, im going to go from beautiful to ABSolutely Stunning!!! And a killer physique to go with that booming personality! Watch out now! Ive got a new pair of wrist straps and i intend on doing some heavy duty hauling over the next 12 weeks!
Tonight was one of my longer back sessions with a touch of bis, but i wanted to save a little to finish bis with tabata and cardio tomorrow.
Ohhh...and the Coastals are this weekend! Hoping to go help out at the show and cheer our GA competitors on!

[athleticvanessa]

So today although there was one slight setback was still awesome!!! I had the best workout and work a dress to the gym to set it off with a heavy bi/tri routine!
Then on the way home I saw a shooting star and it totally felt like icing on my day! I felt a warmness come over me. A feeling that I though had deminished before starting my season with all the family related issues! But, i knew. I know. This was a sign of reassurance indeed! Im blessed and i know things will continue to get better!
I can believe the weekend is almost here! Phew! Though Friday would never come! Happy training!

[athleticvanessa]

So again I have been MIA and I apologize for those of you who are intrigued with my journey and please continue to follow and support me, as this journey gets more and more intriguing by the day! Lol
In the past couple weeks Ive had some great experiences...some made my heart skip a beat emotionally both a good and strange thing, but also those that made me fight harder for this and physically and mentally Ive become a stronger woman and Im still ever so thankful! Really!!
I received a product sponsorship with PB2 and the change in diet from low carb high fat to moderate carb zero fat really made me crave some peanut butter! Badly! Over the years Ive battle my addiction with the caramel colored drug and finding replacements in my diet or omitting seemed like a tough task indeed! Especially with children in the house who endour the heavily abused substance! Lol! What started out during the years I battled an eating disorder where I would binge one a jar of JIF Honey Creamy and a box of Targets market fresh pantry ginger snaps, has now become a faint memory of a weaker version of my former self. I would later make the switch to crunchy which I learned quickly would last me longer, but the hearty crunch of peanuts mixed in was only bringing me to temptation! So then it called for an intervention! Self Planned of course;-) i omitted everything peanut butter flavored or nut related from my diet completely! Including the choclate peanut butter flavored protein I drank religiously up til that point! It was tough but It worked! Then came the switch to NATURAL....ohhh shoooot! Now I just wasnt ready for that!" Bleh!!! " I used to think of the cement like paste with the oily settlement amidst the contrnts of the jar that cost me almost twice more than the "unhealthy" stuff! But guess what?!?!? I hardly ever found myself sneaking spoonfuls several times a day and making halfass excuses for how it sorta fit into my diet!!! On the road to recovery! Watch out! Lol
So anyhow, with the from a few good new friends at Bell Plantation, I now can enjoy that comforting flavor with a half tablespoon of sugar free chocolate syrup every so often when I get the urge to dip into my kids pb supply! Haha!
Anyhow, food as you can see is my weakness when it comes to diet prep :-/ the workouts are easy and I look forward to them daily, but female woes or emotional stress seem to challenge me once a month and try to ruin my hard work!!!
This past week I worked on my emotional health and inner strength and making the positive changes in my life that were neccessary to acheive daily and long term goals. Success prevailed. I am on my way back :-) this time nothing will stand in my way! Nothing!

[The Prodigy]

So again I have been MIA and I apologize for those of you who are intrigued with my journey and please continue to follow and support me, as this journey gets more and more intriguing by the day! Lol
In the past couple weeks Ive had some great experiences...some made my heart skip a beat emotionally both a good and strange thing, but also those that made me fight harder for this and physically and mentally Ive become a stronger woman and Im still ever so thankful! Really!!
I received a product sponsorship with PB2 and the change in diet from low carb high fat to moderate carb zero fat really made me crave some peanut butter! Badly! Over the years Ive battle my addiction with the caramel colored drug and finding replacements in my diet or omitting seemed like a tough task indeed! Especially with children in the house who endour the heavily abused substance! Lol! What started out during the years I battled an eating disorder where I would binge one a jar of JIF Honey Creamy and a box of Targets market fresh pantry ginger snaps, has now become a faint memory of a weaker version of my former self. I would later make the switch to crunchy which I learned quickly would last me longer, but the hearty crunch of peanuts mixed in was only bringing me to temptation! So then it called for an intervention! Self Planned of course;-) i omitted everything peanut butter flavored or nut related from my diet completely! Including the choclate peanut butter flavored protein I drank religiously up til that point! It was tough but It worked! Then came the switch to NATURAL....ohhh shoooot! Now I just wasnt ready for that!" Bleh!!! " I used to think of the cement like paste with the oily settlement amidst the contrnts of the jar that cost me almost twice more than the "unhealthy" stuff! But guess what?!?!? I hardly ever found myself sneaking spoonfuls several times a day and making halfass excuses for how it sorta fit into my diet!!! On the road to recovery! Watch out! Lol
So anyhow, with the from a few good new friends at Bell Plantation, I now can enjoy that comforting flavor with a half tablespoon of sugar free chocolate syrup every so often when I get the urge to dip into my kids pb supply! Haha!
Anyhow, food as you can see is my weakness when it comes to diet prep :-/ the workouts are easy and I look forward to them daily, but female woes or emotional stress seem to challenge me once a month and try to ruin my hard work!!!
This past week I worked on my emotional health and inner strength and making the positive changes in my life that were neccessary to acheive daily and long term goals. Success prevailed. I am on my way back :-) this time nothing will stand in my way! Nothing!


Emotional eating is SO hard to overcome!!! I have been getting counseling and I am SO much better now! I am binge and cravings free! Remember that the food will be there after you compete and tell your mind each and everyday that!!!

[athleticvanessa]

Okay, so real quick I want to thank all of my supporters and followers as you all inspire me to greatness! I finished this season off by crossing over to female bodybuilding at Nationals as a LW, placing 8th out of 11 in my first fbb national level show! The best placing in a national show so far for me with having 10th and 11th place in the physique division. I have not yet decoded whether I want to stay in fbb or go back to wpd and only time will tell, but i wanted to give this off season a whole new take on training by branching out into other sports such as trail running, rungy, soccer, and roller derby for my main means of cardio and endurance training. I will be moving to sunny California and can't wait to get back into the lifestyle i lived when living i. The valley. Always outdoors! Always active! Always having fun! I wantto be able to incorporate these activities and still training in the gym to keep my body composition at competition level. Only a few more weeks left til I relocate, but i am so freaking excited to get out the south I couldnt express it anymore obnoxiously! Lol til then...

[The Prodigy]

Okay, so real quick I want to thank all of my supporters and followers as you all inspire me to greatness! I finished this season off by crossing over to female bodybuilding at Nationals as a LW, placing 8th out of 11 in my first fbb national level show! The best placing in a national show so far for me with having 10th and 11th place in the physique division. I have not yet decoded whether I want to stay in fbb or go back to wpd and only time will tell, but i wanted to give this off season a whole new take on training by branching out into other sports such as trail running, rungy, soccer, and roller derby for my main means of cardio and endurance training. I will be moving to sunny California and can't wait to get back into the lifestyle i lived when living i. The valley. Always outdoors! Always active! Always having fun! I wantto be able to incorporate these activities and still training in the gym to keep my body composition at competition level. Only a few more weeks left til I relocate, but i am so freaking excited to get out the south I couldnt express it anymore obnoxiously! Lol til then...

I say go physique! FBBing is fading away slowly! Time to update your journal title!

[IslandGirl]

Hey Hey Vanessa!!! Great to see you girl!

I agree with Gail. WP! Bring the look you brought to Nationals.

[broadys]

Great Avi, loving your journal.
Make sure you send some of that cook off goodness to downunder.

[sce0027]

Hey Vanessa!

Glad to see you're doing well! Good luck with your choice of future competitions! I'm sure we will all be here to support you!

[IslandGirl]

:hugme:Hope you're doing great!