Complete Package

see me over at our new blog.

2011-10-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

Please become a follower over at Team RESULTS Training

One of my clients, who just happens to be my husband! placed third in his VERY FIRST physique show. I'll have up pics and more info as we train for nationals. JUST 4 WEEKS AWAY!

This is so exciting :)

last post in june! wowza!

2011-03-24T11:50:00.000-04:00

Had my first competition of this season last saturday. I finally placed! WOO HOO and yeah me! :)

5th in both divisions (masters over 40, and figure novice). I was still very excited.

Next show is April 29th! Back on it!

the flu from hell!

2010-06-24T08:20:00.000-04:00

That is not something that I want to do again any time soon! I've only had the flu 3x in my life. Well, the fourth time was last week. WOW. i mean...WOW. Fever so high you could feel it radiating off of me, and I would absolutely SOAK my sleep shirt at night...in addition to my bed YUCK! So much pain, so much other TMI stuff. Started on last Monday and Saturday was the first day I felt normal and had normal bodily functions.

whew.

Gym has been a bit, slow...this week. I did do legs on monday and back and chest Tuesday, bis and tris yesterday, and I'm headed to do hammies today. Numbers have been down. Only 135 for 6 on squats. Only one set of 45s on incline press.

I'll be back full on next week I'm sure :)

oh yeah, and that too

2010-06-11T11:34:00.000-04:00

How could I forget the most stressful part of this whole week....Willow started with diarrhea on Sunday. It kept up getting mucousy, frothy, and finally, bloody. If this had been my first experience with bloody mucousy diarrhea, I probably wouldn't have been as cool-headed. Afterall, two years ago Quinn got SALMONELLA from a peanut-based Luna Bar. Scariest thing I've every been through. Not to mention my poor sweet Quinner. "mommy, my tummy hurts SO BAD" breaks my heart still today.

Anyway, so took a poop sample to the doc and will await results. I'm betting on the community pool. That just totally creeps and grosses me out. I avoided the community pool for MANY years, but the kids so love it. If it's something from there...like Ecoli, they can FORGET going back. Sorry guys.

Off yesterday. Docs appt: Appt time 0915....back to the room 1007, seen at 1030, not to the car until almost 1100. TWO HOURS....that's a little Riddikulus.

Shoulder today:

Clean and press 10, 10, 10 @ 45, 50, 55 (whacked myself in my chin on the 2nd set...nice bloody tongue! LOL!)
Behind the head BB press 10, 10, 8,6,6 @ 50, 55, 65, 70
DB press 10, 10, 7, 9, 6 @ 25, 30, 35, 35, 35
Upright row 10, 10, 8, 6 @ 45, 50, 55, 55
Lateral raises 8, 10, 10, 8, @ 20, 20, 15, 15
rear delt bent over raises 10, 10, 10, 10, @ 15 for all sets

Treadmill: 5 mins 3-4MPH @ 1% incline
30 on/30 off @ 1% and 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 mph
      25 on/35 off @ 1% and 10, 10.5, 10.5, 11, and 11.5
                5 minutes @ 11% incline and 4.0 mph
                1 min cool down no incline and 2mph :)

Have a GREAT Friday and a fantastic weekend! Biceps, triceps, abs, and cardio tomorrow.

livin la vida loca

2010-06-09T12:34:00.001-04:00

LOL. at least that's what it's felt like over the past week or so. Let's see....(didnt miss the gym, but didnt take the time to journal it)

1) neighbor found stray runt kitten. About three weeks old. Since I'm the pet whisperer (or so they say! :)) of course they immediately bring her to me. Of course I'll help. So, make kitten formula and feed kitten. All is good until Saturday. My middle kid.....dropped her....onto the tile floor....we were all devastated. She was obviously not ok. Took her to the emergency vet, she initially responded to tx, but eventually had to be put down. Major sadness in our house.

2) DHs truck (he's really been into modifying it) needed some headers installed. So, DH doesnt tell me until late sunday night. My appt with Loleta is 0830 Monday. DH seems to not feel like it's a big deal. I feel like he's being very selfish and disrespectful. Not withstanding the foregoing (love that phrase!) I txt Loleta at 9 p.m. and tell her/ask her that we meet on Tuesday. She's cool with that. So, with the crappy timing, the kids end up missing kung fu too. THEN his truck ISNT FINISHED on Monday. Another text to Loleta (i'm feeling like a real heel now!) and more kids missing kung fu. Last night he tells me that he has to take it in AGAIN on Friday. I dont respond. He then says..."oh, you can come up after your appt with Loleta"...gee how nice of him.

There it is. My drama in a nut shell. Doesnt look like much, but man, it's sure taken a lot out of me.

Fantastic leg workout today. Finally got to train with Loleta.

squats 10,10, 8,8,6,3 @ 95, 135, 165, 165, 175, 185 (we were laughing so hard. my last set, I got three great ones, and then couldnt get out of the hole on #4....BOOM I sat. she was saying UP and I said....DOWN. good thing I'm flexible)
leg press 10,10,10,8,6,6 @ 3,4,5,5,5,5 plates
leg extensions 10, 10, 10, 10, 10 @ 75, 90, 115, 125, 125 with hold at top
BB lunges 20,20,18 @ 70, 70, 80 (yeah, that's right! 80 pound barbell...not too difficult either!)
seated heel raises 10,10,8 @ 50, 100, 100
standing heel raises 10,10,10,10 @ 300,260, 220, 180

10 mins precor warm up
30 mins precor after legs

Hella good back workout on Monday and Chest on Tuesday. I actually got the 45s up by my self (WOOT WOOT) twice.

TIME FOR SOME SUMMER FUN! My guys are on summer break as of NOW. :) Here's to less dramatic days ahead.

Plyos at the park! What else? It's SUNDAY

2010-05-30T16:10:00.000-04:00

Meaning, that since its Sunday, of course I did plyos. Having all this energy is such a great thing. It wasnt three months ago that I was TOTALLY SLOGGING though all this. UGH. (but, I sure did like the RESULTS!)

Jog around the football field with 15 hill runs to warm up.

3 sets of
Jump rope x 75 (boxer style, not school girl!)
box jumps x20
ski jumps x 20
sumo jumps x 20

High knees 25 yards
frog hops 25 yards

side shuffle right 25 yards
side shuffle left 25 yards
backwards sprint 25 yards
front sprint 25 yards

some karokes too.

sprint against DH and the kids a million times! LOL. Fun. DH is the rabbit. I think my littlest guy got my fast twitch legs. DUDE CAN SPRINT. and talk about recovery....he'll sprint for 50 yards, rest for 20 seconds and be ready to go again. AWESOME.

I was thinking that we should make a boot camp (like the rest of the world). I could run the plyos part and DH could run the field work. Then off to my house for pancakes (your choice, buttermilk or protein) and movies :)

Had to ride the bike BACK to the park because Sweet Pea left her shoes on the playgym thing. That's good. I still had lots of energy. Darn hot though.

Happy MEMORIAL day! Thank you to my Uncle Ray (and the rest of our brave soldiers) for what they've done for our country!

good thing i DONT do juice, gear, ...

2010-05-28T14:49:00.000-04:00

Roids, assistance....whatever the nom de jour is.

There is a site that ladies mostly post at for their workouts, journals, BS, whatever. There is a bodybuilder there and I'm always interested in how her workouts compare to mine. I pretty much go pound for pound on everything she does but shoulders. Can you IMAGINE if I was jacked?! LOL. I've done my research and was tempted for about a second. But, to me it's cheating. If I was pressing 5 plates or squatting 175 with gear, then it really wouldnt be me doing the work, KWIM? I love it that I"m clean. Just sayin.... LOL

On to shoulders! Get the whole workout dedicated to those babies! With Loleta. I'm pretty sure I've convinced her to do a show next year. I started dropping hints that she should and today she said "maybe I should do a BB show....just to get my physique back". Dude....we would SO rock that gym.

SHOULDERS

BB press 10, 10, 10, 8,6,4 @ 45, 55, 65, 75, 80, 80
DB press 10, 10, 8, 6, 7 @ 25, 30, 35, 35, 35
BB clean and press 10, 8, 8 @ 40, 50, 50 (feeling so wasted!)
DB laterals 10, 10, 10, 8, 10, @ 12.5, 15, 15, 30, 20
bent over rear delt raises 10, 10, 8, 10 @ 15, 15, 20, 20

crunches on stability ball 20, 20 @ 5, 5
twists 20, 20, @ 12 12
stability ball crunch with push away 20 20 @ 14, 14
hanging leg raises 20 20

Got a text that the lady CAN cut my kids hair....in 30 mins! YIKES! Had to run a go shower.

Also go the go-ahead to do 20 mins of cardio each day! YIPPEE!

Kids off from school today and Monday! We're having a BLAST!

hammies, back, and biceps. oh my

2010-05-27T11:17:00.000-04:00

Quinns 6th birthday was yesterday :) We had very much fun. I did eat cake and ice cream, but didnt get full from it. Strange. I usually will eat ice cream till my tummy *feels* full. That's a positive, I guess. A negative is that I ATE ice cream and I ATE ice cream and cake again today after my workout. Not a ton, but still. (I hear Melissa in my head "MODERATION!") I'd just rather not have a taste for that stuff at all. I didnt used to...

Took Cookie to the vet for a puppy initial check up. Since we got her from the pound we wanted to make sure everything was in order. The common thread was that EVERYONE said "oh...she's going to be HUGE". LOL. Considering she weighed 22 pounds last week and 29 yesterday....I'd say that's a pretty fair guess!

The vet took an hour, then to Party City to get monster truck stuff (which they DIDNT have, ended up with hot wheels), then to Publix to get cake, ice cream, and bread. All that took about three hours. I didnt go to the gym so had to add in yesterday's workout with todays.

SLDL 10,10,10,10,4,5,8,8 (I <3 deads!) @ 45, 95, 115, 135, 165, 145, 135, 145
SL Cable pull throughs 10, 10,10,10,10,8 @ 40, 90, 110, 130,140,150
Seated ham curls 10, 8,8, @ 35(unilateral), 80, 90 (bilateral)
BB curl 10, 10, 8, 6, 6 @ 45, 45, 55, 65, 65
BB rows 10, 10, 8, 6, 6, @ 45, 65, 65, 95, 95
DB curls 10, 6, 2/8 @ 25, 30, 30/25
Cable pull backs close grip 10, 10, 10, 8, 6, 6, @ 30,45,60,75,90,90

I was having trouble with the DB curls because I had ripped up one of my callouses during the SLDLs. Might have to start using straps or gloves again. blech.

Have a G*R*E*A*T* Thursday!

since hammies are on Thursday....

2010-05-25T12:21:00.000-04:00

Have to double up on tuesday and wednesday. Normally bis and tris are on thursday, but NOT THIS WEEK! LOL.

Incline DB press 12,10,10,8,6 @ 30,35,40,45, 45 (got the 40s up by my self! WOOT!)
Sucky chest machine 10, 10, 8, 8 @ 45, 45, 50, 50
Incline flys 15,10,10,10 @ 20,25,25,25

Decline skull crushers 10, 10, 10 @ 30, 40, 40
Close grip BP 10, 10, 10 @ 30, 40 ,40
press downs v bar 12, 10, 8 @ 50, 60, 60

decline sit ups 20 @ 5
around the world 20 @ 5
sit ups 20 @ 5
hip ups 20 @ 5
leg lfts with hip ups 20 @ 5

Cut calories yesterday. Ended up with cals/cho/prot/fat = 1447/129/144/41 So, that's actually where I should be. I'm guessing that I"ve been eating over 2000, and only 50% clean. Mooooooo. I really FELT it when my energy ran out at the gym. Was going to do cardio, but knew I"d be in catabolic territory...so, that's a no-no. Ate (creatine, protein powder, and sweet potatoes) and went to walmart. Quinn's bday is tomorrow and he's requested a MONSTER TRUCK theme. I had fun getting that stuff :)

Have a FAN-TAS-TIC Tuesday!

curiouser and curiouser

2010-05-24T11:36:00.000-04:00

Just wondering why pretty much ALL the weight I've gained since my show is in my abdomen. I mean, I have the creatine weight and I have some fat weight. All the fat weight is concentrated from my hip bones up to my boobs. Strange. Sucky too.

This weekend, we did plyos at the park. I worked on catching the football too. Could have done plyos for days. That's what food'll do for ya! Got my hands back on receiving. That's nice. DH was throwing blistering passes too. Gotta work on my passes now. I pretty much suck as a QB.

Today is LEGS! Usually pretty psyched for them, but I didnt sleep well AT ALL last night. I had 3 beers between 1430 and 1830. Ya'd think I had a KEG the way my body responded. Racing heart rate, sweating, unable to sleep. UGH. So, I slept like dookie, but STILL had to do legs. Here's what I got

Squats 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 8,6,6,4 @ 45, 75, 95, 115, 135, 165, 165, 175, 175
Leg press 10, 10, 8, 8, 10, 10 ,10, @ 3, 4, 5, 5+50#, 4, 3,3
(just now realizing WHY my workout took 1.5 hours)
Hacks (hate these almost as much as smith machine shoulder presses) 10, 10, 10, 10 @ 90 (feet wide, narrow, wide, narrow)
Extensions 10, 10, 10, 10 ,8 @ 75, 90, 105, 120, 135
DB Walking lunges 12, 10, 10 @ 25, 30, 30
Seated heel raises 10, 10, 10, 8, 15 @ 70,70,95,95, 50
Standing heel raises 10, 10, 10, 10, @ 300, 260, 220, 200 (in,out,in,out)

Wow. That's a LOT of sets. Lots of SWEAT too.

Gonna try using fit day again. Hopefully THAT will motivate me to keep out of the crap (and quit making it TOO)

Tuesday - off, Wednesday - back & chest, Thursday - bis and tris

2010-05-20T12:59:00.000-04:00

My sweetpea got up in the middle of the night on monday night so she slept in Tuesday a.m. She was very into doing school work, running around with her nightgown on, etc. Finally at 0830 I said "we're not going to the gym today, are we?" She said with a huge monster grin, "nope!" So we took Tuesday off. Fine with me :)

Yesterday I felt like doing back and chest. Holy moley! Creatine, ZMA, food, and rest! An AMAZING combination. I cant believe the weight I was pushing.

DB incline press 15, 12, 8, 8, 4 @ 25, 30, 35, 40, 45! (*funny story below)
DB rows 15, 12, 8, 8, 4 @ 25, 30, 35, 40, 45

DB flys 15, 10, 10, 10 @ 20, 25, 25, 25
DB pullovers 15, 10, 10, 8, 8 @ 25, 30, 35, 40, 40

Sucky chest machine 12, 10, 10 @ 40, 50, 40
Pull downs (oh&uh) 15, 12, 10, 10, 6 @ 45, 60, 75, 90

Cable crunches 2x20x40
decline sit ups with around the world 2x20

*Funny story: I have trouble getting the 40s and 45s up for the incline press. So, I need a spotter to help me just get out of the hole. I have a usual guy I ask, and he kinda keeps an eye on me and jumps in. But, he wasnt there, so I asked this other dude that always watches me. Kinda a freak, but I needed help. I'm guessing now, that he never spotted before cause I told him I only needed help out of the hole and he looked at me funny. But, he was able to fumbly help. That was with the 40s. I asked for help with the 45s, he said ok, I picked them up, he was behind the bench, I go to lie back and get the db in position, and he's leaning forward. CRACK. Total head butt. I felt bad, but whatcha gonna do.

To elongate this even further here's todays workout for bis and tris

DB alt curls 15, 12, 6, 6, 6/6/6, @ 20, 25, 30(freakin 30# db curls...) 30/25/20
DB overhead press 15,15,10/8/8 @ 30,35,40/35/30

BB curl 10, 10, 8, 8 @ 40, 50,50,50
nose breakers/close grip 10, 10, 8, 8 @ 40, 50,50,50

Cable pressdowns 15,15,12,10 @ 50,60,70,80
Cable curls 10,10,10,10, @ 40,40,50,60

Machine concentration curls 15 @ 30

2 sets 20 reps of:
hip ups
oblique crunches
full range decline sit ups
wheel
db sides
ball crunches & obliques

TTTHHHHHAAATT'SSSS all folks!

Legs

2010-05-17T10:54:00.000-04:00

Sunday is the day that my DH does his plyometric workout at the park. During contest prep there was NO WAY I could do plyos on Sunday and Legs on Monday. So, I hadnt done plyos on a Sunday, with DH, in a while.

I still do legs on Monday, and decided to do plyos yesterday. If I sucked at legs today, lesson learned. But, maybe it wouldnt matter. (yes, I think too much...LOL)

Plyos were fun. I ran some wide-receiver routs and my hands were like bricks! I used to be able to catch a ball mid-route.....TOUCHDOWN!...but yesterday, I only caught 1 out of about 10 passes! (didnt help that DH was throwing like brett farve) Gotta start practicing more. Sprints, lateral work, high knees, box jumps, jump rope. Fun! :)

Legs today. I was kinda excited. Strange, but I knew I could handle whatever Loleta threw at me.

Leg extensions 10, 10, 10, 10, 10 with 5 sec hold at top @ 40, 80, 115, 125, 75
Squats 15, 10, 8, 8,6, 4 @ 95, 115, 135 (cake), 155, 175 the last set was not full ROM, :(
Leg press 10, 10, 10, 8, 8, @ 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, plates (didnt touch my legs! WOO HOO!)
Prone leg curls 10, 10, 10, 8, 8, 7, @ 45, 55, 65, 80, 80, 55(with holds)
Seated leg curls 10, 10, 10, 10, 8, 8, @ 60, 70, 80, 80, 85, 90
Seated heel raises 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 @ 50, 50, 70, 80, 85
Standing heel raises 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 15 @ 240, 260, 280, 300, 300, 120

That's enough! Jam down some creatine and my protein shake. Next meal soon!

Gotta go watch the rest of survivor!

a day off ?!?! shoulders, bis, and tris

2010-05-14T12:53:00.000-04:00

I took yesterday off.

Hmmm. That was weird. A day off during the week. Dont remember when I had one of those is a LONG while LOL. My legs were still kinda sore from MONDAY, and I'm pretty sure working them would be against *bulking* principles. So, I went grocery shopping with my sweet pea. Confirmed with Loleta today that I should only be doing each body part once. Tee hee.

This'll seem like a freakin vacation compared with contest prep!

Shoulders

BB press 15, 12, 10, 6, 5 @ 65, 70, 70, 75, 75
DB press 10, 10, 8, 8 @ 20, 20, 25, 25
Lateral raises 15, 10, 10, 10, @ 15, 20, 20, 20 (i'd give a LOT to be able to do these right EVERY time)
Bent over raises 10, 10, 10, 10 @ 15, 15, 15, 20
(all that took almost 45 mins! Jeez, I'm slow)

Biceps
BB curls 10, 10, 8, 8 @ 40, 50, 60, 60 (60# curls!!! WOO HOO!)
EZ curls (machine. I HATE these!) 10, 10 (8 negative), 6 @ some freakin heavy weight
was gonna go do db curls, but my biceps were so fried, and so pumped, that I couldnt.

Triceps
Nose breakers ss 10, 10, 10 @ 45, 45, 45
close grip 10, 10 ,10 @ 45, 45, 45
pressdowns (wavy bar) 10, 10, 10, 10, -negatives 8-, @ 50, 60, 70, 80, 90

threw in some crunches and some oblique twists.

It's going to be an effort to wash my hair tonight.!

chest, back, obliques

2010-05-12T14:27:00.000-04:00

I'm going to get some prints from Mr Hinds, hopefully. That way I can have that pic for my scrapbook that I keep talking about making!

Today was chest, back, and obliques.

Incline DB press 15, 12, 10, 8, 8, @ 25,30, 35, 40, 40 ss with
DB row (same weight and reps)

Incline DB flys 15, 12, 10, 10 @ 15, 20, 25, 25 ss with
UH BB row 20, 15, 10, 8, 5 @ 45, 65, 75, 95

Sucky chest machine 8, 6, 6, @ 40, 50, 50 ss with
Pull downs 15, 10, 8, 6 @ 60, 75, 90, 90

Side planks 2 sets @ 1 min each side
bar twists 2 minutes
ball side crunches with 5 pounds (20 reps with weight, 10 with full rom (slight hyperextension), 10 peak contraction...that's one set) I did 3 sets.

oblique twists on the floor with leg crossed and legs in the air. reps till I cramped :)

I did terrible planning for the kids for afterschool snacks this week. Gotta go see what I can scrounge up, plus start dindin

my favorite pic from the show

2010-05-12T11:44:00.000-04:00

shoulders biceps and abs (lots of jaw work too LOL!)

2010-05-11T12:29:00.000-04:00

At the park on Sunday, I wrote out all my workouts for the week. Today was supposed to be back, triceps, and abs. But, I walked into the gym and grabbed the bar and started doing shoulder presses. Guess it was SHOULDER day! :))

Shoulders, Biceps, Abs

Oly bar press 12, 10, 8, 6, 6, @ 45, 55, 55, 65, 65 ss with
DB press 10, 8, 8, 6, 6 @ 25, 25, 25, 30, 30 ss with
DB laterals all drop sets with 20, 15, 12.5, & 10 for as many reps as I can get

Upright row 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 @ 40, 50, 50, 55, 60

BB curl 10, 8,8,6, @ 45, 50, 55, 55
DB curl 6-8 @ 25, 25, 25, 25(20,15)
Hammers 6-12 @ 25, 20, 15, 12.5 (drop sets or assisted sets)

weighted abs (decline with partial reps, on flat bench with partial reps, obliques on the bench) 10#medicine ball.

So tired. Getting ready to try and nap!

Legs again!

2010-05-10T13:57:00.000-04:00

It's Monday, so ya know what that means! Legs! And with Loleta.

Before I forget, here's a link to more pics of me. Check out my side poses, especially facing right. Sigh. I am already so excited about next year's season! I'm gonna ROCK the stage. First show in sometime around the third week of March. (told ya I'd plan ahead this next time!)

So, on to legs. I really vacillated about doing plyos at the park yesterday. It was pretty decent weather, the humidity wasnt too high yet, not too warm. But, I knew that legs were today. I decided NOT to do them. Thank goodness. LOL.

Warm up on elliptical 5 mins
Leg extensions sets of 10 till I couldnt lift it. (ended at 115) My darn knees are the weak link.
Squats 12, 10, 8, 6 @ 95, 115, 135, 155 (i dreamed about squating last night...lol... I see 225 soon!)
Leg press 12, 10, 8, 6 @ 3, 4, 4, 5 plates (touched my legs again!! AAUUGGH!)
SLDL 12, 10, 8, 6, 6, 15 @ 55, 75, 95, 145, 125, 45 (couldnt get full range at 145...so pissed)
Seated curls 12, 10, 8, 6 @ 75, 85, 90, 95
traveling BB lunges 20 @ 40,50,60
seated heel raises 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 @ 50, 70, 80, 100, 140
standing heel raises 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 @ 220, 240, 260, 280, 300
wheel roll outs 3x20
decline bench full range sit ups and around the worlds 3x20 for each

I'm not going to be able to go downstairs tomorrow. My calves were fried before the standing raises. I'm laughing at how sore my rear is already.

GRRRR! Bring it ON! I LOVE heavy weights! It's only gonna get bigger and better and stronger (cue million dollar man opening intro!)

Off to get the boys, and then making gingerbread cookies, which, I'm NOT eating.

legs

2010-05-06T13:25:00.000-04:00

I'm really trying to get on track with eating. I was on plan for my first 3 meals. Then I ate dessert after my 1230 meal :( I have the rest of the day to REDEEM myself. LOL.

The gym was dead. There were the girls that say they are trying to build muscle that do the 5 pound weights for 75 reps, but they were outside today. So, I thought that the three people and I that were on the weight floor would have a nice unobstructed workout. HA! Everyone wanted the squat rack.

I say that if you are NOT doing something that pertains to legs, then you just have to wait. I was all set up to do my circuit (detailed below) and this guy comes over and unracks my weights from the bar...grrrrr....

traveling DB lunges ss with adductor ss with cable pull throughs ss with SLDL. This was FUN! 5 sets 10 reps like this:

lunge(10 reps) to adductor machine (10 reps), lunge back (10 reps), cable pull throughs (10 reps), SLDL (10 reps)

Used 30 pound DB for the lunges
Used 105 on the adductor (last set drop set of all plates getting whatever reps I could)
Cable pull throughs (whole stack...think thats 150)
SLDL 45, 95, 115, 135, 135, 135, 135

Seated heel raises 5 sets 10 reps 50, 70, 95, 95, 95
Standing heel raises 2 sets heels in, 2 sets heels out @280.

Here's the thermometer from our back porch yesterday. Ugh.

upper body, and baking

2010-05-05T12:28:00.001-04:00

Baking is definitley something that i needed to get out of my system. I love to make pumpkin muffins, chocolate chip cookies ( the ones i make are, really, so GOOD), and I had a list of stuff I wanted to bake for after the show that I never did.

So, this weekend I made the muffins and the cookies. Kids and DH made quick work of them. I'm still not back on the sugar, so I ate some, but not crazy amounts. Too much for my liking. (but, I'm mental like that anyway if it's not fish and veggies! LOL)

Then yesterday I decided I needed to make the cheesecake and the toffee bars. I got all the stuff from walmart and spent a couple of hours baking yesterday evening. Come to find out, I dont like chesses cake!! HA HA HA. That's funny. The pic of it looked SO GOOD when I was dieting. LOL. I took a bite and meh...whatever. But, the toffee bars were really good. I didnt have enough chocolate chips, so I put some unsweetened chocolate in, and they came out very yummy and rich, but not too sweet.

Problem is, I ate a lot of them when I got home from the gym. Looks like, I cant bake yet. I'll have to get on program for a month or so, and then I'll see. Right now, it aint happenin. I am NOT going to get fat. Sold all my size 6 clothes, and have only 3 and 4s. SO, there ya go. :))

Yesterday I did biceps and triceps and shoulders. all 5 sets of 8-12 reps

Shoulders:
BB press (55) ss laterals (20) ss rear delt flys (20)
DB prss (25)

Biceps and triceps:
BB curls (50)ss Nosebreakers(45) ss close grip bench (45) for my nosebreakers/skull crushers/french press i use full range back over the edge of the bench, not just elbow flexion. Love using the olympic bar for curls :)

DB curls (25) ss DB overhead press (35/30/25)
Cable curls ss with rope pressdowns (whatever nebulous number was heavy enough)

Machine curls for a pump (25 reps unilaterally at 30)
Machine press (25 reps at 70 or 80)

Hanging leg raises three sets of 10 reps for rectus and obliques

Today was Back, Chest, and Abs, All 5 sets of 8-12 reps

(weight not listed, because machine weight plates mean NOTHING, it's just a number/guideline)

Sucky chest machine ss with wide grip pull downs to the front.
BB row 3 sets OH, 3 sets UH (75 pounds) ss with straight arm pressdowns (using negatives....ooouuuchh)
DB incline press (40) -hate having to ask for a spot- I can press this, but have a real hard time getting my left arm/DB up!---grrrrr

Wheel (20 roll outs) ss with situps and "around the world" on the decline bench 20 reps
Hip ups ss with exercise where i start at the end of the hip up (so hips at 90) and then slowly lower legs down to the floor, dont touch floor -about 1 inch above- and then raise back up and do the hip up. I also do half the reps with my knees out (hips internally rotated) as to take out as much hip flexor action at possible.

DONE!
We rode the bike to and from walmart afterward. and of course, home.

Shower now.

changing it up

2010-05-03T15:59:00.000-04:00

I've decided to end this competition season....NOW.

I was up ALL saturday night, tossing, turning, making lists. Trying to figure out why it was so darn hard to make it work for this next show. My focus wasnt there, my workouts were torture, the money...So, as I tell people that ask, "if it's really hard to do something, then it's probably not the right thing to do" I dont mean difficult, or a PITA, I mean HARD. Like you have to make excuses and possibly go into debt in so many ways.

Totally not worth it.

It kills me though...to tell people that I'm doing something, and then not do it.

But, I feel so much better now. Next year, I'll have a better schedule and I'll do the shows in April (3), and then two in May. I"ll have my plan, and the finances, straight, and it'll fly without problem.

I felt much better after coming to a decision. So...since I didnt continue with competition prep/cut training what did I do?

Lifted WAY heavy. Tee hee. It was so much fun, and so sweaty, and so great.

I went in and told Loleta that I changed my mind, and that i wanted to put on size...she said that she was in total agreement. And then she said...."but, it's harder". I laughed out loud, cause I knew she was gonna say that!

Then we went to the leg ext for some warm up. 5 sets 10 reps. EASY AS PIE/CAKE. Keep addin those plates! ADD EM! She did. My knees failed before my quads.

Over to the squat rack.
10x75 (are you kidding? Loleta, remember, I've been eating...)
10X95 CAKE
10x115 CAKE
then she puts on a plate. Last time I had a plate on there, I sat. Literally, if she hadnt been spotting me, I would have sat completely. The sight of the plate was kinda weird
10x135...UH...CAKE....I was so psyched.
8x145 Not cake...lol..needed a little bump/spot to get out of the hole.
5x155 DEFINITELY not bad. But, not easy either. I was happy that I could get 80% of 90degrees(as measured by hip, not knee)

Leg press
10x180 uh...ok, next
10 x 270....more please
10 x 360 two sets....ok...gettin shaky...quick tempo
5 x 450 two sets. These were so funny. I would have to touch my quads with my hands to start the push. Loleta said "hold the handles, you dont need to touch your legs". I eventually had to put them on my head so that I wouldnt help myself. It was so totally mental.

Seated leg curl.
10x 60, 70, 80 (two sets at 80)
Deep DB squats ss with standing heel raises 5 sets for both
10 x 40 10x240, 260

NO CARDIO.

Ya know, I can make a diet (eating program) for anyone that wants to cut or lose fat. Or, maintain (eat healthy). But, as far as eating to gain muscle, without gaining fat, that's a whole new ball game. I worry that I'm eating too much, but then sometimes I'm not eating enough.. So, Loleta said she'd write something down for me.

that is all....off to kung fu....oh yeah...gotta eat too

shoulders shoulders shoulders (oh yeah, and chest and tris too!)

2010-04-28T13:08:00.000-04:00

I finally got the courage to get on the scale. I said anything below 125 would be good with me. I feel like a piece of lead, and started the scale (we have a drs scale) at 130.

Nope, too heavy (YEAH!) 129, 128, 125,

All too heavy!

It finally moved at 122.5. That's ok. I'm good with 122.5 for a *daily* weight right now. I guess I'll have to gain a little after the season is over, but not too much. I gotta think that the two diet sodas (shhhhh...dont tell Loleta!) I drank probably have something to do with the .5. But, I drank another today....LOL. So I guess I'll hang onto that half a pound for another 2 or three days! LOL.

Dont really feel 100% focused. I'm still eating veggies with a little homemade marinade (chili paste, dash of soy sauce, dash of oyster sauce, teaspoon of brown sugar) But, that's starting to taste a little sweet. Next batch will be with no marinade. My sweet potatoes will suffice for xtra flavor! All marinade gone from my chicken.

Dude...guess what?! I'm pretty sure (have to check with Nicole or Melissa) that I can actually have music for my posing AND AND....it's not limited to quarter turns and "pretty poses". That's NPC. With OCB I can actually pose to show my best physique. That is just SO awesome.

Today's workout

DB press
rope pulls to the face
upright rows
Y flys
lateral raises
sucky chest machine
db incline flys
DB tricep extensions
Nose breakers
Close grip bench
30 mins on IFIT treadmill at 30 degree incline 2-3 mph (last 5 mins in reverse)

BTW, Loleta said I should start 1 hour cardio now BOO HOO :))

slap! back at it...and a teeny tiny rant (nix the rant... i erased it)

2010-04-26T13:55:00.000-04:00

Do you know how much I love oatmeal with chicken mixed in it. That's right. I'd even eat it if I wasnt prepping for another show....

OCB show....

in less than 30 days ....

I'm so psyched! I thought I'd meet with Loleta today, and discuss $$$, but she wasnt at the gym. Ah well. I busted my own bootie. And it was good.

Squats
SLDL
Step ups
Seated hammy curls
Adductor
Extensions
30 mins on the IFIT super incline TM. 30 degree incline @ 2-3 mph

All heavy, but then drop sets to make sure that all sets were at least 20 reps. 5 sets per exercise. Pulling heavy weight on SLDLs makes me so happy.

Back focused on eating. I was constipated AGAIN all over the weekend. Found out that the head aches I had on friday, sat, and sunday were probably because I was TOXIC. ICK! This is a new phenomenon for me. Not one that I'm particularly fond of. I had to take a laxative again (whenever I write that word I always think of the david lee roth video, cracks me up!) At least it did its job.

Sigh. I know it's TMI, but when I read figure/fitness blogs I want the nitty gritty.

I typed forever about my rant...then...

I got over it! HA! So I erased it. Just, please, ladies, if it seems to be too good to be true, you're either not getting all the info, or it IS too good to be true.

I love Monday's! Hope everyones is great too :)
xxxoxxx
Wendee

hittin it heavy....ahhh feels SO good

2010-04-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

I decided to go back to the gym on Wednesday. My trainer originally told me to take three days off, but I couldnt. Feeling fat and lazy aint no way to go through life, son! LOL

When I first walked in on of the guys that's usually there (and we chat) said "damn, you just get better and better each time I see you!" That was nice. Lots of nice compliments on my body composition right now. I've gained about 10 pounds back and look nice and full. Plus I got an AMAZING pump doing arms, shoulders, and abs. WOW. My muscles love food :))

Loleta said I should stay out of fat buring mode (eeek!) and focus on super heavy weights and eat clean. No cardio. (another EEK!) Love the heavy weights, but without cardio, the carbs are making me feel uncomfortable. I know it's in my head, but I kinda liked the *teens* on the scale. (am I cuckoo?)

Wednesday
Barbell press ss with arnold press ss with lateral raises
Barbell curl ss nose breakers
DB curl ss with press downs
cable crunches ss with weighted exercise ball crunches

Thursday
Squats ss with cable pull throughs
SLDL (load them plates baby!)
DB step ups
Seated ham curls
Hacks
Adductor

On tap for tomorrow, Friday
Sucky chest machine
DB press - incline
DB fly - incline
BB row - overhand & underhand
DB pull overs
Hyperextensions.
Cable obliques
side plank

Have a FANTASTIC Thursday evening!

frustration.

2010-04-20T14:47:00.003-04:00

These are pics of a lady that placed in one of my categories. Melissa, and any other competitor can see why I feel frustrated.

more contest pics. I so love my back.

2010-04-19T13:01:00.001-04:00

weigh about 114. shoulda been closer to 120. I'm 122 today and totally ROCK. :)

2010 Europa Show of Champions

2010-04-19T09:12:00.000-04:00

That's me, number 78.

First things first. I did not place. Came in closer to the bottom.

Sigh....It's even rougher when people back stage tell you "you got robbed", and your body is WAY better than this person or that. My trainer, who knows some of the judges, (I'm getting a review btw) said that I had the perfect body, but my color was off. GRRRRRR. It really sucks when some of the girls that place have cellulite booties and no delts. I've also been told that you have to "pay your dues" and "get the judges to know you" which I think is hooey, but, if I wanna win, I guess I have to play the game.

We drove to Orlando on Friday morning. It wasnt so rough because I had really no water consumption, so I didnt have to pee. Eating every two hours was fine. I like cold chicken and sweet potatoes. I had a 630 pm competitor meeting. That was for height checking and suit checking. They had to make sure the bikini girls were actually covering their rears. LOL.

Kept up with my eating and tanning. I added two more coats of jan tana on Friday. Saturday I had to be up and back at the convention center hotel to have my hair and makeup done. It suddenly hit me Friday night, that I hadnt done any backgroud checking and what if this was some sort of con artist. Then I remembered that she was referred from sioux country and I felt a little better. The lady did an amazing job. Then, off the the show! We had to be at the stage at 0730 for instructions. Then the show (pre judging) started.

While I was waiting I noticed that the jan tana booth had an opening and so I went in and got a spray tan too. (it's funny that supposedly my only detractor was that my color wasnt right....) I met two great girls Devon from Tallahassee and another lady who was the most beautiful woman I've ever met. I couldnt quit complimenting her (she ended up taking 2nd in over 40 figure...she was so freaked out...so cute...)

Over 40 figure was called....They lined us up to go on and then it was my turn! I walked out and did my pretty poses and then went in the lineup. There were SO MANY different body types. HUGE amazon women, tiny women with Lasix-ed bodies, super soft, jiggly booties, no muscle in front or back. CRAZY. What's even crazier is that when they called out the first 5 (which I wasnt in, GRRRRR) there were cellulite booties and saggy chests and no arms....WTF is up with that?I even made a face at the judges LOL.

Open figure Tall class went about the same. It's really funny that I'm usually one of the tallest and this time I was easily the shortest. One girl was 6'2' WITHOUT HEELS. Another was 5"11". At just over 5'6" (but 5'11" with heels) I looked like a shrimp. The 5"11' firefighter stood next to me and my DH said she just looked like an amazon. I got last call outs in this class too. BOO HOO. The girl I think that won was the 6"2". No chest or back muscles, tiny waist and curvy legs....hmmmm.Beautiful though in the face.

Between the morning and night shows I was supposed to go eat and make goodies. Well, I tried to eat but couldnt. My tummy just wouldnt hold any food. Then I didnt want to make goodies, I was kinda pissed. Went back for the night show. They called us out to do our model turns, and then off stage where they would call the top 5 back on. I went up to do my turns and the judges were NOT EVEN LOOKING AT ME!!! They were watching the girl in front of me walk off. DUDE. I was SO pissed. I was *this* close to yelling HEY, IT'S MY TURN NOW...WATCH ME! But, I didnt. And. sure enough I didnt place. I wasnt going to hang out for three more hours to NOT place in the figure open class, so I collected DH and we went home! I ate my chocolate bunny and a cream egg and some protein bars. Then when I got to my moms house I ate a left over chick filet sandwich. Then proceeded to get the worst tummy ache I have EVER had in my life. TMI WARNING:

I spent the next half an hour on the toilet feeling like someone was stabbing me in the guts with a knife! OUCH. On the up side I only gained one pound by that next a.m. LOL.

I'll save the aftermath (nothing major really) for another post. Gotta take the pekie to the vet. She's not feeling too well.

wow, I'm thristy!

2010-04-14T13:41:00.000-04:00

I know I'm just psyching myself out, but I'm really thirsty. And hungry, and I think I look flat.

Any more bitching? hmmmm....nope, I'm good. On to the fun stuff.

Shoulders, biceps, triceps, and butt. And cardio. (WTH? the step mill was broken....grrrr)

Drop set after drop set. Tired Wendee. Trainer watching from across the room.

DB press ss with lateral raises
DB curl ss with kick backs
Reverse flys ss with cable pulls to the face
Cable curls ss with rope pressdowns ss with cable hip ext.

I had so much more I wanted to do, but with pre-workout posing I was wasted, and Over time in the play room plus I had to eat and still do cardio. UUGGHH! I'm not really frustrated, but wish I could have done more (anyone noticing a theme with me...more, more, more?)

On a nice side, my trainer said I worked as hard as I possible could. Compliments from her are like snow in South FL. LOL

So I went to go get the rest of Blake's GI Joe stuff for his birthday. Party City did an Ok job. Not great, but It'll do. Then to publix for his cake. We got an "off the shelf" one instead of a specialty made, trying to save money. It's cute. But, man, I S U C K at cake decorating! LOL.

I go to eat my 1230 meal and OH NO.....I dont have any sweet potatoes. NOT ONLY THAT, I just came from Publix and will now have to turn around and go back there, then come home and cook them. Ugh. Meal at 1300 instead. But, the table is set and the cake and ice cream are ready. :) He got his bike and a circuitry set this a.m. He'll get new kung fu stuff later today or tomorrow! Love my Wubbie <3

Things that smell fantastic:
peanut butter
cheap package cookies
white bread
peanut butter and jelly on my sweet-peas breath. Ah.....

3.5 days

2010-04-13T13:59:00.000-04:00

Interesting. It's much easier to stay on target now, as opposed to back in February. I'm able to stick my face in pizza, beer, cookies, and not want a single one. HA! Guess that's good for me.

Killed it in the gym on Saturday and Sunday. Absolutely killed it. Saturday was chest, back, and abs and of course cardio. Sunday was cardio and "extras". Those fun little things my trainer wants me to focus on. Lucky for me my mind-body connection is strong. I just focus on the areas and I"m better able to contract them.

The step mill has been my friend since Friday. I cannot get a sweat on the treadmill or the elliptical to save my life. I am not motivated to push my self hard enough, honestly. But the step mill. KICK IT. Fat burner plus program at level 11. Yeah baby. The sweat just pours off my face. POURS. I make puddles on the steps. Crankin some Rammstein Du Hast, and the harder it gets, the more I love it.

So, tomorrow is my last day of lifting. I'll be doing shoulders, arms, and butt. And of course...cardio (dont forget night time too!) Diet has remained the same. Carbs at 6,8,10,12, and 2. Only protein and green veggies for 5 and 8. It's all good. I'm not too skinny. Muscles are really popping.

OH YES. ALSO, I've been posing till the sweat runs off my back. I'm still not happy with my front pose. I cant seem to get my quads (so my quad tendons stand out), coordinated with my shoulders, coordinated with my abs, coordinated so my hands dont look like a FREAK! I'll get it. Just need more work.

Yesterday was legs. There are no words to describe how I felt. First, (i'm constipated again...great) and secondly, I slept like total dog doo-doo. And, I felt like I hadnt eaten a carb in months. And, the anxiousness I get before a Loleta work out made yesterday tough. TWO HOURS of legs. THEN posing, THEN cardio (then the rest of my day with the kids and kung fu and cleaning, and puppy mess...) I was so wiped out.
Extensions ss with adductor ss with lunges
half rep squats ss SLDL
Hacks
Seated curls ss with seated heel raises
Leg press
Standing heel raises.

Gee...that looks like such a short list, but D A M N I had people asking if I was ok today. I was so pissed because I wanted to work so hard, and lift so heavy, and not complain, and do all the reps (all sixty billion of them) without stopping....but I didnt. I didnt meet any of my expectations.

On the bright side I didnt have to do any plyos. THANK GOODNESS.

Today was chest and back and abs. (and a little jaw work...LOL) Imagine Loleta making the chit chat/pac man sign with her hands across the gym from me when she sees me chatting! LOL.
And of course....cardio. STEP MILL BABY.

Then I went to wallyworld and got all the stuff for Blake's birthday :) new bike YEAH! 8 years ago today I was entering my 12th hour of labor (and coincidentally, we were just wrapping up our garage sale, which I did while having contractions). I'll pick up the new kung fu uniforms later today, and get his cake tomorrow.

I'll have to remember to tell you the story about why I remain with publix as opposed to costco. (as Julia Roberts said to the rodeo drive snobs "BIG MISTAKE")

Enough for this chapter! Off to get the boys!
Have a great one!

(herbal diuretics and water manip begin tomorrow, maybe some CHO manip too)

8 days....grumble grumble grumble

2010-04-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

Shoulders, biceps, and triceps, posing, cardio.

Harumph....

Man, when I'm working out I look SO FREAKIN ripped. Really, people stop and gawk, stare, glare, ask questions, compliment, etc. Then, after lifting I go put on my suit bottoms for posing practice, turn on the bright office light and WHAMMO....

I look flat as crap. My glute-ham tie in area looks icky, my abs dont pop, my shoulders looked, eh, average.

HELP!

My trainer laughed at me when I asked if i looked flat. But damn...it was frustrating and scary. She also said that since it was past my two hour eating window I wont look like I want, still. I mean, the trainers were all asking if my show was tomorrow cause of how I looked on the floor...Loleta said the same thing too. Then in the light. Sigh...guess I'm just obsessing. I just ate now and I think I'm pretty filled out. Maybe my body responds *that* fast.

Also just found out that since I quit lifting after wednesday, I have to lift sat and sun WTF? LOL! It makes sense, but I was ready for some time off.

Gonna go get the boys. More on my workout later. Just had to get that off my chest.

9 more days ...what's your favorite after comp food? what springform pan do you use?

2010-04-08T13:30:00.000-04:00

Was at Walmart again! I swear I spend so much time there. I try to get all my trips in, but then stuff comes up for school, I decide I need new teeth whitener (which they DIDNT have, btw), etc.

Found myself walking back over to the easter candy 50% off isle.

ME: "well, Melissa said I could buy this and hide it"
ME: "yeah, but, if you buy it, you might eat it"
ME: "hmmm, that would be saying I can controll myself, and ya know what....I can"

So, into the cart went basket bunnies of all varieties of milk chocolate x4, cadbury CREAM EGGS! YES!, and a big ole honker reeses peanut butter egg. Big as my head, I swear. LOL. When I got home I immediately put it into the bag that I have that's got all my recipes in it for AFTER THE SHOW! (feel free to share your favorite food). I've never gone a full prep without cheating so this is new. I"ve got my homemade chocolate chip cookies, home made pumpkin muffins, mexican brownies, and a reeses cheese cake planned.

Yeah, I know. I ~~probably~~ definitely wont eat it all, but it's fun to plan :) I found the reeses recipe on bb dot com. OMG it looks fantastic! I'm gonna go see if I can find the link............nope, cant. I did print it out though and the pics are fantastic. I just have to buy a springform pan too. Open to suggestions.

Today was average. In my past 89 days I've had 2 average days. Today was one of them. Still got compliments left and right, but I felt like I was moving in slooooooow mooooooshuuuuun.

15 minutes of "lower" ab concentration work. ouch
front squats ss with cable pull throughs
SLDL
Seated leg curls
hacks
leg press
heel raises
30 mins of incline cardio. attempted sprints. did 5. HA! Incline the rest of the way. Eh...
All were sets of 30-40. Straight out or drops. Loleta walked by and gave me the critical eye for the low weight on my front squats. So, of course, i did more. I actually felt better at the higher weight. go figure. now, why wouldnt I just put the heavy (not really THAT heavy) weight on the bar. Chicken sh#@.

30 more mins of cardio to do tonight.
I DIDNT lose more weight. This is a good thing. 118.5 is low enough.

posing, butt, chest, back, and more sweet potatoes!

2010-04-07T14:43:00.000-04:00

Loleta caught me just as I was going into the gym and asked if we could pose for 30 mins before I lifted. That's SO cool of her. Remember, I'm only paying her for 2x week/2 hours total. I'm getting more like 5 or 6. She's so awsome.

Havent slept worth anything the past two nights. DH brought up the cost of the the show AGAIN. I didnt say anything, but I guess it was in my head all night. Plus, kids getting up to go pee. (mommy ears hear everything!) So, I was surprised to see a nice package this a.m. albeit a small one! 118.5. Remember, I'm almost 5'7" so this is getting into "oh my god youre so skinny" territory.

10 days out. This is getting really cool watching my body change daily. I still have water manip and carb manip to go. VERY excited to see the final outcome.

Today:
30 mins compulsory posing (with a little of the pretty poses thrown in at the end)
butt blaster ss with adductor ss with hip extensions
sucky chest machine (but makes GREAT muscle cleavage!) ss with more hip extensions
incline db press ss with db row
db pullovers ss with close grip cable pullbacks
eat
30 mins of cardio at 30% incline

30 more mins of cardio tonight. It's really not hard-core anymore....by 1930 I'm so wiped out, i *just* break a sweat on the bike.

Food is good. Got another sweet potato add in WOOT WOOT!

Put more stones on my suit. They look G R E A T.

Gonna go eat!

shoulders are totally ripped to shreds!

2010-04-02T16:49:00.001-04:00

I'm on day 5 of < 30g/day of starchy CHO. It's not terrible. The fact that I get a.m. oatmeal is probably my saving grace. But, today was a trainer day. OH MY GOODNESS. I have never in my life felt as weak and wussy as I did today. Really. It's one of those where you lift the barbell and say "no way" and if left to my own motivation, I would have put it down and picked up something WAY lighter. BUT NO! Loleta made me do all my reps with the freakin HEAVY weight. I know I should, but wow.

WOW.

That was really hard. She did say that starting Sunday (yippee! I thought it would be Monday) I can add back in a sweet potato meal after my workout. Thank goodness. Whew! But, we did have to do some adjusting to my meals. I ate *late* (for me) at 0730, trying to push it as late as I could, because my appt with her is at 0830, and I dont usually get done lifting and cardioing and home until 1100 =.0 Loleta said that schedule has to stop and that I have to start bringing a meal to the gym. Plus, she had me skip a.m. cardio _oh bummer_ (not really!) Because she wanted me to go right home and eat. Ok...Here's my new plan:

0500 black coffee
0600 1/2 serving oat, 1/2 svg eggs (uhhh...I think I'm supposed to stop eggs today..better call and check)
0800 1/2 serving oat, 1/2 svg eggs/chicken
1000 1/2 svg sweet potatoes, 1/2 serving chicken
1200 1/2 svg sweet potatoes, 1/2 serving chicken
1400 chicken and veggies
1600 chicken and veggies
1800 fish and veggies
2000 fish and veggies.

I havent been measuring my meat and veggies. I HAD been using 3oz of meat, and half a bowl of veggies but now I'm probably closer to 4 or 5 and 3/4 bowl of veggies. (using my calibrated eyeballs) LOL. Enough about food. mmmmmm.....food.

Workout today:
BB military press to front ss w/
DB shoulder press ss w/
Lateral raises

BB front raises ss w/
Funky bent over fly/raises for post delt ss w/
Jumping jack with db press

Machine preacher curls ( I SO hate these) ss w/
DB curls

Rope pressdowns ss w/
kickbacks

To me, supersetting the SAME MUSCLE is just cuckoo. Psycho, crazy, HARD!

It is 14 days, 15 hours, 37 minutes and 6 seconds until Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 8:30:00 AM <---SHOW TIME

5.5 weeks out,and today

2010-04-01T12:49:00.001-04:00

This is from 5.5 weeks out. Not terribly impressed but the butt is coming up and obliques look ok. As always I'm pale enough to crash airplanes from the glare off my body (verbatim from my brothers). I havent figured out a way to take pics from the front.

This week I'm looking extremely flat....During posing this morning Loleta said "dont even look at your muscles. You're totally flat. That'll change next week as you add back in CHO" She is the master, so I listen, nod, accept, move on. She DID say that I have my compulsory poses pretty much down. I just need to work on my "pretty/individual poses" and walking in the damn heels. Tummy in, shoulders back, dont walk like a soldier. LOL.

So posing from 0800-0835
Legs (so tough)
Front squats ss with cable pull throughs
SLDL ss with leg press
Ext ss with seated curls
incline situps ss with hip ups ss with hanging leg raises.
30 minutes on the treadmill that can go all the way up to 50% incline. I do front and back walking on it. I love it when the sweat drips off my eyelashes! :) That really doesnt look like a lot, but DANG it was tiring. I was supposed to do 30 to 40 reps but that was NOT happening after the first two supersets. whew....cant wait to get back some. Strangely, in the back of my head though, I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, I could actually do MORE like this and totally surprise myself.

I'm just terrified of getting *too* depleted and eating something I shouldn't.

Bike tonight. 30 mins.

New puppy! Her name is Cookie. She came with the name...I swear!

17 days.

2010-03-31T13:57:00.000-04:00

So OF COURSE the second I blog about all the yummy CHO I get to eat, you know what happens.... My trainer says, Oh, BTW, (but she said the words..) starting on Monday, you go no carb. ZOINKS! I ask for how long. She say 1 week.

Hmmm....one week I can handle. I hope. Kids are home on spring break. Just got a new puppy (SO CUTE)...well, I'm gonna make it work. Have to, or then I'm not giving 100%. Here I am on day three of no carbs. So far so good. I get a little crabby, foggy, and snappy in the late afternoon (like 3 or 4 p.m....that IS late for us btw, we're early risers) But, I warned the kids and they are seeming to work with me. NICE. Plus I'm appreciating flavors in veggies even more. Like red peppers and onions are HEAVENLY sweet.

On the bad side, my energy at the gym suuuuucccks. Sucks so badly. I have my beta alanine, my caffeine and my BCAAs but it just doesnt cut it. PLUS, according to my trainer even lets me have oatmeal for breakfast....so it's not even totally no CHO. My brain would disagree, as would my muscular endurance.

Gettin lots of compliments/comments/snubs -from-the-gym-cliquey-chicks lol I might just post some pics.

Today's food:
black coffee 0530 ...so good
eggs and oat (done and yum!) 0700
chicken and veggies (done and yum!) 1100
chicken and veggies (fisxin to eat!) 1400
chicken and veggies 1600
fish and veggies 1800
fish and veggies 2000

My workout was bis, tris, shoulders, butt
DB press
DB curl
DB kick backs

BB press
BB curl
Nose breakers

butt blaster
adductor
butt exercise

cable pulls to the face
30 mins elliptical

Was supposed to do more shoulders bis and tris, but since it's spring break, there are a bajillion kids in the play room, and they are strictly enforcing the 2 hour limit. BOO.

Loleta is meeting me for extra posing practice tomorrow a.m. She's amazing. I pay for 2 hours a week with her and get at least 4, usually more. Definitely gonna have to do something for her.

30 mins on the bike tonight. Weighed 120.5 this a.m. C R A Z Y. I know it's H2O weight, but it was weird to see it on the scale.

Have a fantastic day! Gotta go eat!

just over 3 weeks out

2010-03-25T14:41:00.000-04:00

I just found this amazing article on walking in heels. It's not directed at figure girls, but if you're like me, and spend all your time either barefoot or in sneakers/tennis shoes/trainers then it's a great and informative read. Sara is a great fashion blogger too.

My trainer said yesterday that I was really getting "tight" (her word for stage ready), and I'd better be. I've been busting my ass in the gym (weights) and at the park (plyos, HEY Melissa!).

Shoulders have striations, both cepalic veins pop out when lifting, bootie is high (well, when I flex it that is LOL!) Much improved over last show. Sad thing is, is that I have some skin on my tummy. When I pull it aside or pose, my abs are there, but I'd like to not have to squeeze so hard :) It'll go away...in time....

The totally cool thing is that I've been eating CHO since the inception. Right now I get 80-100g a DAY! No kidding. I thought I had to go NO CHO (except green veggies). That's what I tried last time, and if you read my blog about that show, you'll see that I initially made it 3 weeks, but after that....I'd eat "on diet" for 3 or 4 days, and then lose it and binge on cereal, or pizza, or candy. God, it was AWFUL. I did have nice full muscles though (snort!)

So, gonna order my tanner ~~on Monday~~ today. Got scared writing that, and guess I better get it sooner than later.

I'd been hesitant to blog, because that's when it seemed I'd screw up on my diet. But, now, I'm good.

Week looks like this M=legs w/ Loleta, T= back/bis/abs/butt, W=chest/tris/shoulders/obliques/butt, T=legs, Friday=alt/back &chest or arms&shoulders w/ loleta. Sat=park plyos and whatever i didnt hit on Friday. SUNDAY REST! WOO HOOO. Cardio just got changed to 2x a day for 30mins each time. Has been as high as 1 hour/day in one session, and as low as 40 mins/day in one session.

Today's training (by myself) Legs

Cable pull throughs SS with

SLDL

seated ham curls ss with

deep db squats while standing on platform

extension ss with

adductor ss with

butt blaster.

4 to 5 sets 20-30 reps (usually start out heavy and drop to get total number of reps)

30 mins on TM

30 more tonight :) on bike

xxxoxxx

Wendee

koan for today what does this mean to you?

2009-10-05T13:52:00.001-04:00

The perceiver itself can not be perceived. For who is perceiving the perceiver that's perceiving the perceiver?

I've been truly wrestling with so many things...yoga, weight lifting, spiritual practice, spiritual questions.

6 months ago I was so focused

....or so I thought (maybe just blind)

I'll be back with clearer thoughts. I promise.

ok..now, where was I?

2009-09-25T13:10:00.003-04:00

LOL

While I was sitting zazen, I realized that I had read all about the aftermath of competitions and how girls gain weight and decide that the competition life was not for them, quit lifting, lots of self doubt..etc

HA! If I wasn't mired deep in ALL of that, it's a surprise to me. I think, now, two months later, that I am all better.

Really cool: Rediscovered yoga. I used to do yoga and gymnastics when I was little. I've always been flexible, wait. I USED to be flexible. I mean, I can touch the ground when I bend at the waist, and I can fold my legs up in the full lotus without problem and can sit for at least 30 mins (or until my kids get up!). So, I've been doing yoga...practicing yoga....four times a week for the last 5 or so weeks. My mid section stabilization (I DESPISE the word "core") is unbelievable. Whereas I used to be so wimpy at doing a plank that I would want to put my knees down after 30 seconds, now, 90-120 seconds is no big deal. AND, we dont EVER practice a plank, per se, it's just all the combined postures. LOVE IT.

I have also dedicated myself to sitting zazen and doing the wu ming meridian therapy every morning. It takes about an hour. You see, I started waking up EVERY night at about 230. No matter when I went to sleep I would wake up then. My menopause symptoms were coming back with a vengeance. Hair was falling out, hot flashes, night sweats, super CRANKY, abdominal fat. I was reading all the books on menopause that I could find when I came across Dr Nan Lu's book on menopause. From what I can glean, I've aged my body 10 years in the last 5. :( The waking at 230 in the morning was, in traditional chinese medicine language, my liver crying out for balance. It's not in the western medicine way. I'm "technically" healthier than most people half my age. But, my kidney Qi and and Liver Qi were sadly, hurting. So, I began to completely change up my life.

I began SLOWING down. I stopped getting up at 0352 to go to the gym. I now get up at 0500 and take care of MYSELF first. (zazen and wu ming) Then I journal, THEN I take care of the kids. I get to the gym about 0830 now. It took some time getting used to but DAMN, I feel better. I now sleep through the night, my hot flashes, night sweat, and crankiness are gone, and my hair has stopped falling out.

I started lifting again this week. It feels SO GOOD. After my comp I started and stopped. And started and stopped. ad nauseam Finally, after only doing yoga for 5 weeks, my body decided it was ready to start lifting again. It's only three days a week. But, that's ok with me. OH! I forgot to tell you. I saw my trainer friend and she asked when my next comp was. I told her that I was scarred and wasnt sure if I'd be competing again. (lightheartedly, but still) She told me that I just needed a little bit of tweaking on my conditioning and that I have the physique! Just need to be a little more cut and darker (I'm guessing that my tan wiped off in the jogging suit I wore to the show, cause you see my pic in my profile! I was dark...at home...) I laughed and told her that I was still cheating 2x in every 7 days. She was freaked and said I would look super hot, if I could just cut right.

So, maybe in Jan or Feb (it's NOT really that far away!) I'll see what she recommends for me. I'm thinking (yes, I am!) of doing a show in April and then in July. Hmmm. I know there are lots of shows from April-August around me. Just have to figure out the logistics.

Ooooo, another thing. DH and I are going on our first overnight date A L O N E since my 1st kid was born 7 years ago. That's right! Either DH or I have been home with them since 2002. We'll drive up to Orlando and drop them off and then on to Gainesville for a game. It's really exciting!

Last thing, I promise! Say happy birthday to my boobies! They turned 1 on the 24th. :) ROTFLMAO! One of the best decisions I ever made.

2009-09-09T16:38:00.000-04:00

still here, still kickin it

2009-08-14T07:53:00.002-04:00

I'll do a detailed post later, but had to share this NOW. I'm so happy that this happened. I'm as anti governement involvement in a persons life, as anyone could be. However, I view this as very important as so many consider it benign.

Tanning beds now being labeled carcinogenic!

here's our conversation.

2009-07-31T16:01:00.002-04:00

Hi again Maria, I was checking the NPC site today and noticed that my name had been removed from the list of figure master novice 5th place. Could you please provide an explination as to what happened? Also, my true placing would be appreciated. Thanks so much and have a great day!Wendee

Hi Wendee, Sorry for taking so long to get back to you, but I was out of town for a week and just got in today. What happened on the posting of the placing was that you had placed 11th in the Novice B class, when Peter read it off the score sheet he accidentally typed your name in as 5th, when in actuality Lynette Mancuso placed 5th. I will be sending out the score sheets tomorrow so you can see what had happened. I am very sorry for the mix up, this doesn't usually happen, I'm not making excuses but it was just a typing error. I hope you can forgive us for this mishap, if you need anything please feel free to call me at . All the best,Maria

Thanks so much for the clarification! It was fun for the short while to think I had placed! :)) We all make mistakes, and it's not a big deal. Looking forward to receiving the score sheets. Sincerely,Wendee

Wow, I wish everyone was as understanding as you, that shows what great sportsmanship you truly have. All the best,Maria

All in all still a wonderful experience. I'll still be competing next year.

The past 24 hours I've seen lots of thoughts in my mind. Zen teaches that you should watch the thoughts, acknowledge them, but dont dwell. Not dwelling was hard, but I did it. Came up with some interesting thoughts on continuing training, hiring a trainer, possibly competing in a different division. hmmmm more stuff to throw on that back burner and let the sub conscious work on.

jumped the gun

2009-07-30T14:50:00.002-04:00

going back to look at the NPC placings today (just cause it's fun to see my name) and guess what...

MY NAME IS GONE!

That's right! They had a different name up for 5th place figure novice in masters. WOW. I'm confused.

I immediately emailed the promoter and am currently awaiting her response.

Bummer!

But, I was all jacked about competing again THINKING I had placed, so nothing really changed...in reality, only on a piece of paper. Guess I want to compete no matter what.

back and arms today

2009-07-29T10:52:00.004-04:00

Turned off my alarm 3 times before finally getting up.

Back to my old self! At least I dont have trouble falling asleep anymore now that I'm getting up at my favorite time. Sleep research has "proved" that the humans biological time to fall asleep is between 9 and 10 p.m. Stay up any later and you're in a wakeful period and will most likely have to stay up until midnight to hit another drop in body temp and sleep cycle.

Got up and ate before I went so I didnt get to the gym till 0445.

Close grip pull downs ss with pull ups to the chest
BB UH rows ss with pull overs
straight arm pull downs
hammer curls ss with overhead press
bb curl ss with close grip bench
cable curls ss with cable pressdowns
10 mins on precor

I think I'm scared to gain weight. I know that I need to do cardio but, not as much as I have myself scheduled for. Ugh. I'm vacillating between changing up from 3 days a week to 4 days a week lifting with 15 mins of cardio post lifting (circulate those BCAA even more!) as opposed to the 3 days a week of 3o mins I have planned now.

Does it really matter? I think I just like to think...LOL

Another thing that runs around in my head is my consumption of protein powder and rice cakes. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my protein powder and I just discovered rice cakes. My 0930 snack is rice cakes, almond butter, and protein shake. The thought of eating some sort of cow or chicken or fish at this time isnt terribly palatable.

SO, is my consumption of these things DETRIMENTAL to muscle gain? I also drink another protein shake before bed. Sometimes with AB and cottage, sometimes with just AB.

Wish I could clone myself and do an experiment. Wendee 1 in the control group of protein powder consumption and Wendee the clone in group 2 with only whole foods. (dork? yep!)

back at it

2009-07-27T06:50:00.003-04:00

alarm rang bright and early at 0350 this a.m It was easy to get out of bed after a relative 2 weeks off (i did do some plyos at the beach, but eh, the icky food took care of any of those benefits)

sucked it up and weighed myself while brushing my teeth. 135. Whatever. up 7 pounds in 17 days. some water some fat. feeling very moo-ish but i'm not going to dwell. today is a new day

Since I'm in a muscle gaining mode I had to get up and eat REAL food before I went to the gym.
1 bagle with honey, protein shake, coffee with 4oz skim milk, and some creatine/NO stuff. Off to the gym

front squats ss with cable reverse flys - single arm
bb box stepups ss with face pulls
hacks ss with reverse pec dec
seated heel raises
20 mins incline tm

ready for meal two at 0730

It was fun to have people at the gym mention the competition to me this morning. I havent been back (1 week off and 1 week at the beach) since that night, and I got some congrats :)

DH thinks I should go for marketing/modeling/face work. That could be fun

Reading Sit down and shut up LOVE IT. Also reading a much easier book on the basics of zen buddhism. Apparently I've been one my entire life and didnt realize it until I read these books.

My pedicure is STILL rockin with this polish by OPI THis is the color I wore for the comp (HATE French manis/pedis) This color what I had done for the beach on my nails. Lasted all about 1 day....maybe less LOL. I'm rough on my nails. Gotta get some clear polish on them lest they get snagged on the, apparently, very snaggable stuff I do!

Have a great day y'all!

WOW WOW WOW I was WRONG

2009-07-20T12:31:00.003-04:00

So, DH and I are at the beach for the week. The contest is far from my mind (well, not THAT far LOL) and I'm in the midst of planning my bulk. DH notices today that the results from the comp are up and LOOKIE WHAT I FOUND

NOVICE FIGURE
SHORT CLASS1. Kerri Tremblay2. Jennifer Patridge

TALL CLASS1. Krisztina Laszlo2. Alexa McGee3. Nicole Fernandez4. Martha Pastrana
5. Wendee Bartness <---------Thats ME!!!!!

There were like 15 girls in the class so it wasnt 5th out of 5.

HOLY FREAKIN COW THAT's ME! I PLACED in my first comp!

OMG OMG OMG OMG

I just emailed the promoter to see if I got a trophy or anything.....

all my hard work did pay off.......

This is too cool....

done with: PB&J, Cereal, and beer

2009-07-15T08:22:00.003-04:00

I've had my fill of PB&Js,cereal, and beer (ugh). I havent eaten any meat or salad. Had pasta with sauce for dinner. Eh, pasta is ok. I dont ever crave it though. Pizza on Thursday. I feel SO bloated and fat. I DO NOT LIKE THIS.

Detailed my "bulking" diet last night. (since I'm not up at 4, I'm having a harder time falling asleep...that sucks too) It will be a clean bulk with carb cycling. 12 weeks starting August 3rd. Working on bulking training detailing today.

Still pose when I pass a mirror.

Catching a glimpse of my heels in my closet made me smile.

Still get that twinge of excitement that I can drink as much H2O as I want. ROTFLMAO

I had to fight with myself not to go back to the gym yesterday.

We did ride our bikes to wal mart, but that's only 3 miles, and you can only go so fast with little ones on small bikes. Poor Quinn has to peddle so hard and so fast just to keep up, but he never complains.

I had the grandiose plans of stuffing my face with all of this crap food and I cant. Everything that sounded so good (PB and frosting!) while I was cutting is unapplealing now. Makes me laugh.

Honestly, I dont like:

eating like crap
feeling bloated
not being buff
feeling sluggish
NOT being tired (strange, eh?)
not lifting
not doing more before 9 a.m. than most people do all day!

Really looking forward to getting back at it. The week at the beach will be good. DH and I will do jogging and plyos.

Now, I just need to find a non National competition to do January or February! (yep, i'm gonna do it again!)

my first figure comp

2009-07-13T15:45:00.004-04:00

my son destroyed (anihiliated, erased, melted....) the hard drive of our home computer and I havent been able to get online. This entry is made at my DH work computer.

I wanted to tell everyone that I'm doing GREAT and had a BLAST at my very first figure comp. I didnt place in the top five ( a little embarrassing) but ah well, such is life. It was so much fun seeing all the beautiful ladies in their beautiful suits with their AMAZING bodies. the OVER 50 (yep, over 50!) group was so awesome.

Even though I spent at least 15 mins a day practicing posing it all seemed to fly out the window when I got on stage. AND, holding the model T while everyone was doing their individual turns was MURDER. My erector spinae are still sore....seriously! I had such aweful cotton mouth too.

The Thursday before I got my first coat of spray tan. Kimberly with Tanninng solutions down here is the BEST. Standing there naked in my house while she spray tans and I felt completely comfortable. I'm going to attach two pics so that you can see how great my tan (and my body :)) looked.

Friday, DH took off from work and DD and I went and got our hair and nails done. Well, she just got her hair cut. She wasnt even scheduled, but when Jessie saw what my 5 year old did while playing "barber shop" she couldnt stand it and had to fix Willow's hair. It's really cute, but she needs earings now.

Anyway, after the hair and nails I went home for my second coat of tanner, and then I did my makeup, packed up my food (which I left in my car...sigh) and drove 45 mins to the auditorium. The kids napped so that they could come watch. It was rumored that the show would be longer than last years which lasted until 3 a.m. (!!)

I checked in and waited around and go my number - 20- and then it all started. My two classes were close to first. I was embarrassed, but somewhat relieved, to be in the last set of call outs. Embarrassed for obvious reasons and relieved because DD was sick and crying! So, once I was done we left. But, while I was up there I kept trying to smile at the judges and smile at the other contestants (one of my friends placed!), emember my posing, not picking my suit (didnt think I needed bikini bite...WRONG!)

I wrote my thankyou note to the promoter this a.m.

I've vascillted on whether or not to do more. The dehydration, starvation, and lateness of the competitions are three things that dont sit well with me (we're early risers in this family and our bed time is 7 for the kids and 9 for me and DH). I also "heard" that since I wasnt using a trainer that unless I came in 100% game on, I wasnt going to place (whatever!). Those are the negatives.

The positives are that it was FUN! And it's good to have a goal to be better.

Maybe my next show wont be a national one! LOL!

On to the pics

decisions decisions decisions

2009-06-17T11:27:00.003-04:00

On Saturday we found out that DHs business partner was NOT going to be able to make it on their business trip, but he still had his reservation at the hotel. If I could get my Dad to stay with my Pekie, then we could go. Dad, who lives in the same city where we would be staying, agreed! Woo hoo!

Then it was on the the mind games.

If I go then:
I have to be responsible for three kids in un-childproof rooms
My diet will be compromised (I can care, or not, my choice)
My workouts will be compromised (I can care, or not)
I will have to deal with my mom (why didnt you ask ME? are you angry at me? me me me....)
I might have a great time
My kids will have new experiences
We'll get to stay in a REALLY nice hotel

Look at the good or look at the difficult. I chose to have a good time, to not obsess over working out or my diet, and to let the family crap roll off my back.

It WAS fun. We had a GREAT time.

I dont think I lost that much. I'm kinda flat (probably from all the skim milk in the lattes) but my obliques can still be seen. I can just imagine how totally whacko I would have been at home by myself only thinking about myself and my competition.

Called the ladies at CC fit wear to talk about my suit. It's ready for me to try on (has been since the first of May), but I really DONT want to drive the hour and a half BOTH WAYS just for a 10 minute meeting. So, they are mailing it to me. I'll definitely post pics.

Killed it in the gym:
Incline db press 3 sets 15 reps
Flat DB press 3 sets 15 reps
flat fly 3 sets 15 reps
pushups 3 sets to failure
wood chops 3 sets 60 seconds Thanks Melissa!
reverse sit ups 3 sets 60 seconds

3 mile bike ride with the kids before it gets TOO hot (mid 90s with heat index in the 100s)

HIIT tomorrow

normal

2009-06-12T07:43:00.002-04:00

Kim, an amazing woman who pens her own blog, wrote this great entry. I was thinking about it as tortured my hammies this a.m.

Normal, normal, normal......what is normal? Someone provided a definition and doing what other do. Meh....normal is uncreative, uninspired, un-researched, b o r i n g.

Ya see, I've NEVER been normal. My entire life has been filled with buckin the norm, deviation, thumbing my nose, etc. Since I was a tiny tot my mom always told me that I could do/be whatever I wanted. I've taken that to heart. It's never mattered to me what other people did. I dont base my actions on what others do, or what they think of me. If I had I would have never had home births, never gotten a boob job, never breast fed my kids for OVER A YEAR (gasp!), never homeschooled, never done drugs (yep), never stood in the middle of the center of a major university bawling my eyes out and down right quit, never left my first husband who was abusive, never become a practicing Buddhist.....

Everything thing that makes me, ME! I've never aspired to be like anyone else but the best me.

I had a patient once, she was in her 80s, and we were talking about my kids. I was telling her about how all three were very bright, but my middle boy, was a genius. She told me "oh, you dont want a genius.....He'll stand out" Wow.....I told her, well, as a matter of fact I DO want my kids to stand out....I ENCOURAGE it. And, it's too late anyway. Quinners is mindblowing. I'll have to worry about kid #1 being too much of a follower, but Quinn and Willow, nope. They WILL lead the way.

So the concept of not being normal, and not following the norm is not new for me. It's a challenge on a daily basis. People will always talk, question, point, stare, snicker, WHATEVER. Some days, not most, it's distracting. Sometimes they ask questions.

Have a wonderful Friday.

this page crack me up, HIIT happens

2009-06-11T07:06:00.004-04:00

Very funny web page

I hear SO many of these on a daily basis. My DH still insists on using "could care less". Drives me batty.

HIIT didnt happen! LOL

Did 15 min the stair master
biceps and tricpes*
15 incline treadmill

*I NEVER do biceps and tricpes. But, I've been thinking that my biceps look puny, thus my workout today. For the first many years I lifted, I regularly did HEAVY bis and tris. My arms were B I G. I quit doing them about 7 years ago, figuring that they would get enough work with chins, row, chest, etc.

Though my brachial (or maybe it's my cephalic) vein is starting to show, I think they could use some work.

Now if the fat would just come off my low abs....sigh.

Bike this P.M. to make up for this A.M. of non-HIITage.

Starting to have to use fat burners. I totally Heart HotRoxx, but am almost out of them. They make me feel NOT hungry, but NOT jittery/crazy/irritable. Perfect balance. I also have Curvelle and received two samples of xenadrine. Curvelle is OK. I used it yesterday, but was still hungry. I took two (supposed to take 3) Xenadrine this a.m. and am feeling amped. Dont like that.

Guess I"ll have to get another order of my hotroxx from BB dot com.

Time to EAT! Yummy

did cardio anyway, tuesday, and today

2009-06-10T16:14:00.002-04:00

Monday night I did cardio anyway because I ended up eating a bowl of cereal. (kinda nixes my dairy moratorium!) Gentle bike riding. While watching sponge bob...lol

Yesterday, was cardio day. I grossed my kids out by wringing out my shirt and hair holder thingy for them TWO HOURS AFTER I got home (which is when they get up). It was good. I did some stretching afterward. I found out long ago, when I tried to be a runner, that if I dont stretch my TFL it feels like I need hip replacement surgery. OUCH! So now I do the happy cow, the pigeon, and just your basic TFL stretching. It works and I continue to run. So Tuesday was:

15 mins on stair mill
30 mins on treadmill
3 min warm up
10 mins=progressive jogging/running for three mins walk 1 min
10 mins sprints 45 on/off till HR = 130
10 mins incline 11.5% walking

Afternoon bike riding 40 minutes

Wednesday:
20 min incline treadmill 9-11.5%
Front squats ss with DB incline press
lunges w/foot on bench ss with BB UH rows
DB Step ups ss with push ups
One leg leg press ss with calves on leg press

Then today we biked to walmart, the park, the preserve, and then back to the pool. Left home at 9, didnt get back until after 12! Everyone took a nap ( I even got 10 in) and here we are lounging this afternoon.

Cardio HIIT tomorrow. I might actually weigh myself. Maybe not. That usually backfires. I like where I'm headed and things are working well. Numbers arent really impt since I dont know what they should say.

I'm hoping to do a second to last suit fitting on Monday. I need to shave and tan. Yippee...fun...NOT.

2009-06-08T15:38:00.001-04:00

Make your own Countdown Clocks

giving up half my dairy

2009-06-08T13:12:00.002-04:00

No more cottage cheese. SSSIIIGGGHHHH.........ha ha ha I"m so drama

My before bed meal, the one I look forward to every night is 20g of PB/AB, .5 serving of cottage with cinnamon, and .5 serving of protein shake. I'll be cutting out the cottage starting today. I think it's supposed to make me leaner.

Again, we'll see. Doing this all on my own remember. I've read pros and cons of eliminating dairy and what its supposed to do. Maybe I'll start taking pics every day. I need to tan first. My brothers used to tell me that I could crash planes with the glare off of my white body. And, sadly, they are right! ROTFLMAO. My arms and upper back are tan-ish from being outside, but my tummy, low back, and upper quads are ghostly.

Today!..

Man, I was SO cozy in bed this morning. We were asleep before 9 and when my alarm went off at 355 (notice it's getting later...) I was confused as to what day it was and why I was awake. Ha ha! I snoozed it, and woke up 8 mins later. I put my glasses on and put my head back down. Then realized that if I didnt get up THAT second I would fall back asleep.

BOING! That's me out of bed. Running for coffee. ( I wont give up my 4oz of skim milk in my coffee for another two weeks). But, my workout was very good. I felt great

20 min warmup on the elliptical manual level 10-15

Cable pull throughs ss with
military press

SLDL ss with straight arm pull downs

Clean and press with dumbbells
Pull ups had to do on the assist machine -see story below-
sit ups with medicine ball throws
oblique twists with medicine ball
Seated ham curls

My third set is supposed to be clean and press ss with pull ups. I can only lift 75% of my body, so I line a bench up under the Smith machine and use it to support my feet while I chin. This dude, who had been using the smith machin while I did the entire first part of my workout, was STILL ON THE SMITH MACHINE when it came time for me to chin. He, literally, did three sets of ONE rep in 45 mins. Finally, when he was done I was able to go over and do a couple of sets of chins, but my lats were already fried from the asst chins I did. Whatever. Mix it up

It's all good!

Since 0830 me and the kids have
1) gone for a doggy walk
2) rode bikes to park/preserve
3)played at the park
4) checked out the AWESOME wildlife at the preserve
5) rode bikes back home
6) went to the pool for 45 mins
WHEW home finally!

All that is my way of saying that I'm NOT going to ride the bike this afternoon.

Tomorrow is HIIT in the a.m. I'm going to do sprints on the tread mill and then I'll do LDLI on the bike in the afternoon. We WONT be going out in the a.m. because my boys just showed me that they cannot follow instructions for a few moments while I'm on the computer. I'm actually hoarse from screaming. Then DH called and told me his business partner is in the hospital with his wife who had an ectopic......

puts it all into perspective, eh?

this weekend

2009-06-07T12:46:00.003-04:00

Well

Cheats happen!

Guess I'm not going to call them cheats.

No matter what, I'm on stage July 10th. If I look 8 months preg (didnt get a visit from auntie Flo yet....uh oh! so ya never know! LOL!) I"m still going on stage.

This . is . a . journey.

Anyway, so yesterday I had a spaghetti dinner with my family. It was less than a serving of pasta with one meat ball and two Tbsp of sauce. I had SOME chocolate chip cookies before bed (Plyos kicked ass today, but that's for a little later!). I figure that if I eat clean for 41 of my 42 meals of the week, I'm good. At least that's how I feel today. Smirk

Lets see since I last posted

Wednesday a.m. Had been up with DD 6x the night before and really wanted to sleep. She gets up the day or two before she comes down with a cold, so that's what I expected. Sure enough. SNOT. I didnt go to the gym on Wednesday but did ride the bike.

Thursday, DH was out of town so I couldnt go to the gym. Rode the bike and did yoga. I love Steve Ross. His yoga is rockin.

Friday, all gung ho to go to the gym, EVEN WITH THE COLD I got from DD. BUT, when I get to the gym it's pitch black.

Uh, dude....You know we people get our ass up and to the gym by 0430 cause WE HAVE TO. WHERE ARE YOU NEW OPENING DUDE? AAUUGGHHH! I wait until 10 after 5 and he didnt show up. DH goes at 6. Still not there. I do a piece-meal workout in our home gym (too cramped to really use at this house) and some yoga and bike, but it's not the same. WHATEVER. I called the manager and he apologized profusley and agreed that I could come in at 6 on Sat a.m. The gym doesnt open until 7, but he'd let me come in special with the other team that is there working out. Nice. I was too full of snot to go, but it was a nice gesture.

SO! (oh, I did ride the bike for 45 mins on Sat afternoon. Nice and slow, but still a good sweat) Here we are on Sunday. Still kinda snotty, but definitley getting better. I got breakfast set up BEFORE we went to the park for plyos cause when we get home DH and I and DS#2 are always SO hungry that we are ravenous. Got the eggs and veggies set up and cooked the oatmeal.

Park plyos were GREAT! (i'm sure my spaghetti and cc cookies helped fuel it!) It was in the 70s with moderate humidity. An AMAZING morning for south FL.

pushups to plank
soccer drills
jumping sumos

jumping lunges
travelling lunges long and short stride
box jumps

shoulder pushups
forward hops
burpees

some other stuff for abs, biceps, tricpes, shoulders, thrown in. I did hill runs for warm up x20.

I am so constipated today! ICK! I do look 8 mos preg. LOL.
Here's me 36 weeks preg with DS#2 He was almost 9 pounds! Just something fun.

Pekie is ok they cut and cauterized her nail. She's whined about getting her other nails clipped, but is just fine now. YEAH!

We had two families of ducks that we were feeding (and one was actually nesting in our crotons). After we got back from the store on Thursday I saw one baby in the front yard. He couldnt stand up :( We kept him on the back porch over night for safety and hopefully he would recover (he didnt). Next a.m. the momma duck that was nesting in our crotons was splayed out by our door :(( super bummer. I was so sad. She didnt die till later, but as with the baby there were no signs of outside foul play. Our neighbors think that someone poisoned them. I had the spca come and pick up the paralyzed baby, the dead momma, and the dead momma's perfectly healthy duckling. Sigh. It was sad. We quit feeding the other ducks so that they would quit coming and hopefully stay safe.

sat sun mon and today

2009-06-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

Saturday was supposed to be my off day, but I felt like doing cardio, so I did 45 mins on the bike.

Sunday was my date day in the afternoon with my little guy, so I did my cardio early, 45 mins on the bike, and then we did plyos at the park. Well, I was so whipped from my bike ride that my plyos were really half assed. Did some hill running, some soccer drills, lunges, shoulder hand-stands, abs, planks to a side pushup.

Yesterday was Monday. I switched things up to a more circuit type of workout. I'll do 3 circuits this week, MWF, with dedicated cardio days on Tues, Thursday, and Sat/Sun.

Yesterday
Back squat ss DB bench
Reverse lunges ss UH BB rows
Split squat ss push ups
sit ups with medicine ball toss
oblique twists with medicine ball
bb curls ss with dips
db curls ss with overhead press
20 mins on elliptical
41 mins bike in the pm (I was feeling pretty fatigued)

Today (cardio day)
15 mins stair mill fat burner plus
30 min tread mill. combo of sprints (9mph), hill (11%), and jog 6,7,8, mph, walk 3 @1% incline

I was considering doing more cardio and yoga this afternoon, but I'm starting to feel crazy hungry. I'm doing good with no cheats and no real desire to cheat, so I dont want to push to psycho levels. Plus, I dont want to achieve something that is absolutely impossible to maintain. 2x a day cardio twice a week and 30 mins 3x a week is definitely do-able for the average person. I'm seeing continued results right now.

I see girls that are doing 3 hours of cardio a day in addition to a heavy workout, and winning and think that its not a good message to send.

That's one train of thought. The other says that figure comps arent for everyone and only true athletes (those being defined as ladies that can withstand the rigors of many hours of working out a day and a strict diet) SHOULD be rewarded.

Snicker, whatever. If we all work as hard as we can, suck it up, maintain excellent family relationships, then its all good.

Gotta take the Pekie to the vet. She tore her dew claw. I kept hoping it would fall off, but it hasnt and is hanging by a blood vessle. (((shudder))) I have it bandaged right now. I dont want her to have to have surgery strictly because of the cost. She's a healthy dog, and will do fine with it, but I wish it could heal safely on its own. This vet has a propensity for trying to pad the bottom line so I'm seeking a second opinion from a friend. She's a large animal vet (read: zoo) but has doggies and kitties too.

Chu-bubba just spilled popcorn, gotta go sweep
.
..
...

AGAIN

wow, it's friday already

2009-05-29T13:33:00.000-04:00

It was hard to get out of bed this a.m. I didnt finally kick my self out until I smelled the coffee (literally) at 0410.

Workout was good, if not a bit long. About 50 mins.

SLDL ss with military press

db lunges ss lateral throws

stationary lunges ss with lateral throws

cable pull throughs ss with 3-way ant/med/post shoulder raises

Seated leg curl

Calves on leg press machine

My right butt cheek is having these mini muscle spasms. It's kinda funny.

Just finished 30 mins of cardio on the bike. HR 110-120. Still got a good drippy sweat.

Food is on. I wanted to have nuked protein powder with pb/ab instead of my fish/salad/nuts but I didnt.

Spent about $250 bucks at Publix and Costco. Jeez...that used to be DH and my food budget for the month!

My brain is all over the place. Gotta pee, worried that it wont clear up before i have to pick up the boys (we ride bikes),

....now my shoulder is spasming...lol

good day

2009-05-28T16:45:00.000-04:00

It was a nice day.

I had a great rest last night. 2130 to 0352. I felt great. I sleep so much better when I dont eat sugar. It just amazes me at how BAD I feel when I eat it. Wont have to worry about that for 6 more weeks. :)

Gym was good too.

15 min elliptical avg mets 8.4
30 mins treadmill 5 min wu, 20 min sprints 9.5 mph 1% incline, sprint 45 seconds/rest until heart rate returns to 130. 4 mins of 12% incline lunges. 1 min cool down.

afternoon cardio, 30 mins on bike heart rate 130-150 and 45 mins of yoga (with steve ross LOL!)

Diet has been on
pre cardio coffee with skim milk (4oz)
M1 eggs, peppers, onions, chipotles, spinach, chicken, almonds, blueberries
M2 protein shake, PB/AB, green beans
M3 orange roughy, salad, mixed nuts
M4 protein powder, PB/AB

That's all for now.

I made smores for the kids. OMG. I was so psyched that I didnt even want one. (goody for me!)

My heels came today. I can walk pretty good in heels, but have to get used to having them on for so long. DH is happy :) He made a special trip home today to bring roses and a card home to me for our 10 year anniversary. That's really unlike him. It was good.

Very good.

last cheat

2009-05-27T08:22:00.000-04:00

That was yesterday. My little guys 5th birthday. Had cake and ice cream and cup cakes. I feel like total crap today. I really feel like I've been poisoned. Hmmm this sounds familiar. Should be easy to make it the next 6 weeks without cheating. The way I feel now truly sucks.

Plus I've been working harder with my mindfulness. It does help me focus and stay a calmer mommy. The book Buddhism for Mothers is GREAT. It really turns a light on.

Training is going great.

Today was back, biceps, and triceps

Close grip uh pull downs 6 sets 4 reps
Close grip chins 6 sets 4-6 reps with negatives and end range contractions
DB pull overs ss with straight arm pull downs
BB curls
close grip bench
DB curls
bench dips
20 incline treadmill

I've got awards to attend at my sweet Blake's 1st grade class today so my p.m. cardio will have to be moved. Plus since we got rained out at the park yesterday (thus no cunningham plyo) so we need to go to the park. SO, hmmm, maybe I'll do the plyo today as a sub for the cardio.

My hammies and legs are starting to look good. My bedroom light always makes me look good. HA! I hope the same lighting is at the competition. I hold my fat in my low abdomen. I know I"ll need super low cals for these next 6 weeks to get it to come off. I cant wait to see what i look like. My obliques are already showing and I learned a new posing tip so that my lats peek out! SWEET! Lats, obliques, and serratus. oh my

My shoes shipped yesterday. I'll go and do my suit fitting on June 13th.

It's all coming together.

Pre workout nutrition
4oz skim milk
mug coffee
scivation stack of BCAA and other great stuff

after workout
3oz sweet potato

Breakfast
eggs, onions, peppers, chipotle sauce, chicken, spinach, almonds, greatfruit.

M2 in 30 mins (protein shake, PB/AB, green beans)

Two funny things I came across this a.m.

2009-05-12T09:33:00.001-04:00

DH and I are constantly amazed that we are the only ones that actually SQUAT (and rackpull) in the squat rack. This fits the bill nicely.

Yep, I got this way purely because I have a fast metabolism. No training at all. No hours spent in the gym, no fighting through injuries, no blood, sweat and tears! I sure as hell have never pushed myself harder than A LOT of you on this site ever will, and I most definitely neglected my diet too.

Yep, my physique is PURELY GENETIC...Unbelievable

Though this isnt funny, it's something valuable:

As an overall statement, I think you should look at your Pre/Post-workout nutrition, and your pre-bedtime meal as recovery meals. These are the times where you want to give your body the building blocks it need to make repairs and replenish depleted stores. All other meals, should be looked at as setting up the body to save muscle and use fat as a preferred energy source. There are many more tips and techniques to do this and you can achieve results doing one or multiple of them. But there are far too many for me to go into more detail here. If you read enough, you will come across them and you can then choose which methods will work best for you and your lifestyle.

Totals for today

2009-05-11T19:08:00.000-04:00

According to fitday my totals for today are:

Calories 1408

CHO 83 (of those, 43 g came from starchy or fruit)

Protein 165

Fat 49g

Plus I ate 25% of my daughters burger tonight So totals probably closer to 1500, 90, 170, 53 or something like that, (as I"m sure my macros aren't jiving. )

I like this yellow

font
font
font
font
bold font
font
font

I'm finished eating then.

figuring it out along the way

2009-05-11T12:12:00.001-04:00

So, some girls do 2 hours of cardio a day

Some girls do 2 hours (or less) a week.

They all seem to be in about the same shape.

What gives?

Personally, from what I've read and seen, the girls that are doing the overkill cardio are actually slowing down their fat burning. If they would just do less cardio, then maybe they would have to do less cardio. LOL.

I'm going to stick with what I'm doing now, and then start adding HIIT in 2 weeks.

(wowza, in two weeks, I'll be 6 weeks out....uh...well...)

So, I'm stuck at 129 ish. I tried increasing my cardio and decreasing my calories last week. That did nothing for me except push me into thinking I needed a "carbohydrate" day.

I ate so much that I had an episode of dumping syndrome. It was really no fun at all. I"ll leave it at that. BTW, I had both the acute symptoms and those that happen 4 hours later. I ended up missing a leg workout and not eating all my meals for Friday.

Totally not worth it.

So, I'm going to try this (remember, I dont have a trainer, just a great head for research and remembering others experiences) documenting and logging along the way, so that in 5 years I can see where I've been.

This week, I'll add a starchy CHO (ex: english muffing, bagel, sweet potatoe, oatmeal) of no more than 25 grams total CHO, after I work out. I'm also going to nix the CHO meal every 18th meal because of this. I'll do this for another 4 weeks. At 4 weeks, I'll cut out all starchy CHO again and go back to eating only green CHO.

It looks like this then:

M: Quads, posterior delts, calves
T: 45 mins cardio HR = 130-150
W: Lats, biceps, triceps, abs cardio 20 mins HR 130-150
R: 45 mins cardio HR = 130-150
F: Hams, delts, calves
S: 30 mins cardio
S: Plyo at the Park.

Pre workout nutrition:
4oz skim milk
8oz coffee
2 scoops BCAA
1 scoop creatine, NO, caffeine mixture

Post workout 25g cho

M1 eggs, spinach, nuts,chicken
M2 protein shake, PB, green veggie
M3 fish, green veggie, nuts
M4 same as M2
M5 Salad with chicken or cow, nuts or avocado
M6 (havent been eating this for about a week, but should be protein, fat, green veggie)

Calorie goals

M, W, F, S, 1200 calories
T, R, Sat 1500 calories

I SHOULD have been eating 1500 cals all along, but it ended up being closer to 1700. Using fitday to calc my cals.

my boys inspire me

2009-05-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

Stumbling

Stomping

Stupor

STILL SNORING

.
.
.
Sleep STOP!

Six o'clock

what my suit will look like...kinda

2009-04-23T14:42:00.001-04:00

The bikini cut is like the suit style and the stoning.

And this is what the color is like.

Medium front, small back. It's gonna ROCK

a day in the life of a figure competitior

2009-04-23T14:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I would have had to start at 0352 in order to show you ALL my day :) but this is just a little part of it. I found it particularly funny that my kids were there eating cinnamon rolls (the first time for them) and I had my green beans LOL! I had already had my protein shake and my PB, and was just getting ready to sit down when I thought of taking this pic.

Lucky for me that cin rolls dont tempt me in the slightest.

Also, we had just finished painting. Thus the loverly table cloth! I have two others just like it

I had my fitting for my competition suit this past weekend. I thought I wanted an eggplant or navy color, but after holding them up next to me, my seamstress Caroline at CC fitware came out with a GREAT bright purple with streaks of glitter in it. DH, Caroline, and I all thought that it looked the best on my skin. I'm excited excited excited!

As far as conditioning goes, I stopped using my trainer. I really wasnt getting what I needed from him and every time I tried to, I got attitude. Just really dont need that. I was rebelling by eating crap. S T U P I D . So, now I'm back on track with my OWN diet and OWN workout program. Well, not really my own, but one that's published for free that anyone can use. It's definitely working. I've been on it since the first week of april and my body had definitely changed for the better.

Pics? Maybe :)

yeah, that song...

2009-04-20T16:28:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGSIdFmVn38

if he just wasnt trying to sell something

2009-04-01T10:13:00.000-04:00

"Dr" Mercola (I put doctor in quotes because I"ve never been able to locate anywhere he went to medical school, nor will he reply to that query) loves to talk and write about hot button topics: vaccinations, diet sodas, tanning! (yes tanning sprays!), hormones...you name it and he's got an opinion on it.

Sometimes he'll back up things he writes with peer-reviewed research journal article sites. More often than not, he wont. But you can be GUARANTEED that somewhere in his PSA he will be trying to sell something to you. It's either his "you cant live without this" special that he wrote, or a referral to a company that want to charge for doing tests that are VITAL to get info so that you can live the clean life he speaks of.

He would be so much more believable if he didnt always seem like he was trying to make a buck from people's fears.

Contest prep is going

well

weird.

The scale is hovering between 131 and 133. Eh. But, my tummy looks flatter and my pants are looser. I'm rearranging things in my diet to try to make it more do-able. Eventually I'll have to completely suck it up and eat exactly as my trainer has written, but right now I just really DONT like eating chicken and potatoes at 0900!

I'm 15 weeks out and I think I'll need to lose that many pounds (or about 10) to get where I want to be on stage. I"m going to go get a bikini from walmart today, so maybe, just maybe I"ll post pics of my during contest body.

I'm pissed

2009-03-17T16:51:00.000-04:00

Two months since I've posted and it's come to being pissed to get me back here.

1st, I'm not pissed about this, but wanted to report on my progesterone cream. I started using it the first week in February. Not only have I not had a single hot flash since I started it, but I actually got my period back. I had one in feb and I'm on it right now. Amazing. A little cream 2x a day and all is back to nl. I cant believe that my doc never mentioned it. Well, yeah, I guess I can.

2nd. The thing I'm pissed about. So, I hired a trainer. I had been researching this guy for a while. In fact I had actually book marked his page when he went out on his own several years ago. Since I plan on competing in July, I really wanted to make sure that I had someone who could hold my hand since I've never cut to that level before. Great. This guy was very professional, not affiliated with any company, has a clinically and logically based thought process.

When I originally received my written program, there were two things to me that made it seem as though portions of the program were standard documents that each client would get. This is understandable and totally acceptable. It's expected because there is only so much specialization that can go on. Food, of course, and the lifting.

In one paragraph there is a reference to the "cheat" meal, as it is, and how I'm allowed 1-2 a week. I was curious, and thought maybe it was cookie cutter advice that everyone got and asked that question.
You would have thought I smacked my trainers wife and called his baby a hussy. He was offended that I wrote it.

He even said that he was offended by what I said.

I got all freaked out and wrote back apologizing that I didnt mean to offend him. I said three times that I apologized and was sorry that he got offended.

The more I thought about it today, the more that I got pissed off at myself for it. WTH? I was scared that he'd cut me lose and I wouldnt be ready for my show. I'm sure that 99% of the program is individualized, but some of it is rote for everyone. Maybe he's being somewhat primadonna......?

Also, he wrote, when i asked innocently enough about the effects of cheat meals:

ME: Will it affect my progress greatly?

Trainer: Depends on the person. They don't HELP progress. They're optional. Being responsible about them - which should be common sense - generally isn't a problem.

And that's another part that really gets to me. A professor of mine once stated that common sense is neither common nor sensible. It's a set of experiences that have been individualized to the person. Therefore no two people will have the same set and to expect someone to think or believe as you do, is erroneous. How am I to know that it really wont affect my outcome. If I knew all of this, then I wouldnt have hired a trainer, now would I?

SAHM catch up, progesterone, bulking

2009-01-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

This is my outfit from the other day where I said I looked so cute. HA! Guess I look more rumply than cute. Ah well, at least the colors are good.
White button up (non-crisp), express circa 1992, Purple cardi target, green wooden necklace Bucket, wide leg dark-wash jeans, Target, green driving loafers, Target.

I was messing around with taking pics of my face and was noticing how VERY dark the circles are under my eyes. I do have allergies, but think this is more from not sleeping. I dont sleep because of hot flashes. I found the book hormone hell to hormone well by dr Randolph and I would almost bet that I am progesterone deficient. I'm ordering some progesterone cream tomorrow. According to this doc, a naturalist as opposed to most docs (whom I never trust, but sometimes ya gotta use one), who dont really know any more than what the pharm reps tell them, the progesterone cream will nix my hot flashes, make me less moody and irritable (my kids cheer!), and help my bone density. I'm also ordering boron and strontium for bone density. My next deca scan is in May. I hope it's completely normal.

So DH and I started our bulking phase. I'm eating between 1700 and 2300 calories a day depending on whether or not I lift. I havent gained a pound! I really need to put on more muscle before my comp in July.

Details in another post. DD want a PB&J!

it's NOT oversize nor waxed

2009-01-09T12:52:00.000-05:00

I've never been fabulous at grammar. But I do know when things ring correctly, or make that THUD that disrupts a conversation and hangs on my consciousness, making it impossible for me to pay attention to anything else the person or article is saying.

1) It is not and oversize bag,or Tshirt, or blazer/jacket. It's oversizeD. The item is being described as bigger or larger than usual. Is oversize even a word? (I did search it, and it looks like as of 2009, merriam webster is accepting it....aauugghh! kind of like when the word disrespect became a verb <<>>)

2) It is not WAXED paper. The item that you purchase for use in the kitchen is NOT paper that has been waxed, as it would be when using the phrase "waxed paper". Rather, it is wax paper.

I've seen both of these used in print in the past two days.

Physicality is not a word. I love sports and college football (GO GATORS!) but just because a sports caster misspeaks, doesnt make it right.

It's not: could care less, it's couldn't (think about, people, really....)

I did actually see irregardless in someone's blog. The correct use is regardless.

Guess how many resumes get trashed that contain: errors in there/they're/their; to/two/too; it's/its; lay/lie; emoticons (yes really), ABBREVIATIONS (yes I'm shouting.) FL for Florida is fine, but Plz don’t abbrvt. FYI—U 2 can take the time to write the entire word. THX.

I look super cute today. Pics to follow.

My pekie Jagr

2009-01-07T13:34:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest things I ever did was get a dog. Growing up I only had cats. I LOVE cats. I think they are an ideal pet and they are just great all around people to have in the house (yes, I said people). But, when I met DH and found that he was anaphalactically allergic to cats (yes really) and that being with him would mean that I didnt get to EVER have a cat again. And, I still chose him was a HUGE thing.

Fast forward three years after I met DH. Someone at work posted that they had a litter of puppies for sale. I'm against buying a dog when so many need adoption (blather: end) but had never actually seen a litter of puppies. The conversation went like this:

DH: dont go
ME: why not?
DH: you wont be able to come home without one
ME: what? me? get a dog? no way. I just wannna see what a litter of puppies look like.
DH: i'm telling you, ......
ME: oh, come on, just come with me, you'll see....

HA! Gotta say, if you dont want a dog dont EVER go look at a litter of puppies. I got my first doggie that night. She was 8 weeks old. Will turn 10 on the 17th of this month. Jagr is the greatest thing ever. Let's see if I can find some pics of her.

My little yellow dress is DEAD

2009-01-07T13:18:00.000-05:00

I'm so comnpletely bummed.

I wore my new yellow dress, and washed it and , sigh.....

when it came out of the washer it looks like my jeans bled on it. Impossible since I didnt wash it with jeans, but that's what it looks like.

I've washed the dress about 7 times since using all the tricks I know, but it's still stained. Anyone with any ideas, I'd love to hear from you.

Now, on to happier things. I just read about a "photo tag". Here's the deal

The rules are:
.
1. Go to the 4th folder in your computer where you store your pictures.
2. Pick the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same!

Since I dont have 4 people to tag, I'll just have to do it and hope y'all post that you did the same. Of course, leaving a comment if you do (hint hint)

Here's my most awesome niece KW. She's dressed as Mary for a holiday play. Isnt she so beautiful. She's also brilliant, but I'm sure my loyal readers could just guess that, since she's kin an all...

is the word sin still posting on this entry....freaky. I didnt put it there and it wont appear to let me edit it out.

SAHM fashion New Year's eve 2008

2008-12-31T13:58:00.001-05:00

DH stayed home today because we needed to take th xterra in to get the brakes serviced. So, I decided to somewhat dress up,well, because I get so few opportunities, I decided to take this one. Thus, the black ensemble. Later on, we went shopping at tar-jhay and got the boys skateboards. By this time it's 80 degrees outside and the 1st outfit was not cutting it. So, I changed into my new yellow dress. Details to follow.

Black sweater, black satin shirt with really cool pattern, gray flats, all Target. Plaid wrap skirt, Express.

Yellow Lacoste tshirt dress, Cash my clothes
Necklace, Buckle (see yesterday's post!)
Flipflops with dots, not pictured, gift from my mom.

My jobs on Wednesday are to wash all the clothes, take out the trash, and clean the bathrooms. I didnt get started on these until late in the afternoon, and I think the tshirt dress and flip flops will work out with no problem!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

lolcats are SO FUNNY

2008-12-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

more animals

SAHM fashion from 30 dec 2008

2008-12-30T12:49:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! We spent christmas at my moms. It was great except for the cold I brought back. No biggie, it was gone in less than 24 hours. I HATE having to walk around with tissue plugs shoved up my nose and thankfully it didnt last that long. Sucks to knit or try to read like that ugh.

Today is Tuesday the 30th of December. I scrubbed grout this a.m. and used the wet/dry vac to get all the nasty water up. It looks AMAZING! I am very excited. Three kids and a dog can make for some nasty nasty grout.

I was wearing my gym clothes for all that grout scrubbing. After that I showered and changed into this.

Dress, cotton, Walmart
Blue jean jacket (not pictured, but I wore it out to the bank)
Tan heels, Target
Necklace. BUCKLE

This necklace purchase, is btw, not MY fault. I was casually reading Kasmira's blog when I noticed the name of a store that we dont have down here. I looked them up and $40 worth of necklaces and earrings later, I was happy! But, completely DENY responsibility.

SAHM fashion from dec 19

2008-12-30T12:43:00.001-05:00

December 19th was a Friday. On Fridays I scrub the tables, chairs, sweep, mop and dust. This outfit fit the bill. No changes necessary.
Blue long sleeved t Merona
White lacy spaghetti strap tank Merona
Gray skirt, gift from mom (from costco I think)
Pink lace bra from target. Fits on the small side.

If you notice the first pic you can see the nifty way the sleeves cover half of my hand and around my thumb. Doesnt actually work for wriging out water from a mop, but when I knit it REALLY helps the yarn thread nicely.

SAHM fashion from dec 17

2008-12-22T12:43:00.001-05:00

THis was from last Wednesday. Everything I had on, except my shoes, was purchased in the the early 1990s from Express. Under the black textured shirt I have a black textured tank. The effect is like placing two polarized lenses together. Total blackness.
My shoes are from Target. MAJORLY comfortable. I read a review that someone had a problem with them coming apart at the sole after three wears. Mine are just like new.

I wasnt sure how to , or even if I should, wear the white shirt. Originally I was going to wear it lose like a jacket, but that made me look bigger than I wanted. I remembered a shrug-like sweater that I saw one of my fashion look-tos had on, and so I tied up the shirt. It really did work well.

My jobs on Wednesday: clean the bathrooms, take out the trash from all cans, and the laundry. I cleaned the bathrooms before getting dressed, and the rest was no problem for this outfit. DH really liked it too.

stay at home mom fashion

2008-12-22T12:18:00.000-05:00

I'm new to this so bear with me until I get it all figured out. I am SO attached to fashion blogs now. I have two favorites that I look at every day and one that I go to if time permits. All of them dress SO cute and SO nice and I figured that I could take just as much time to put on something cute as I do to put on something crappy.

Then I remembered....ha ha ha! I ONLY have crappy. Since I had three kids in 4 years most of my things consist of elastic waists and workout gear. I am finally getting back to my pre pregnancy form and am trying to add pieces in to what I have to get cute.

But then there's that thing about being a SAHM. What's the point of wearing heels and skirts and cuteness when I'm at great risk for just getting them irreparably dirty and gross.

There must be a mid ground. VIOLA Stay at home mom fashion!

In the style of my favorite fashion bloggers I am going to show you what I wore, who made it, and if it actually lasted the entire day.

I'll have to get better at taking photos. DH did this one for me. You really cant see the colors in my two different tops.

Here we go. denim jacket, hilfiger via ebay, pink ruffle racerback tank (over cream tank) old navy, cream tank, merona, pink lace bra from target. grey skirt, gift, tan heels Merona.

Here's Tuesday.
one-button swingy jacket Merona
Cream tank, Merona
pink lace bra, target
Khaki flared pants with patterend cuff, old navy
reebok trainers, reebok outlet

Fine outfit for cleaning the kitchen floors, tables, and chairs. Since the weather is whack down here I was able to be comfortable with the jacket in the a.m. and in just the tank in the p.m.

Me and my sweet pea

2008-12-11T11:21:00.000-05:00

Bodybuilding and fitness competitions

2008-12-01T13:06:00.000-05:00

For about the last 20 or so years I've worked out at the gym. I'm not a girl that's afraid that lifting heavy weights will make me huge. On the contrary. After these 20 years I'm the smallest I've ever been.

Even after three kids in 4 years, I'm fitting into a size 4 and am nearing 125 pounds at 5 feet 6ish inches. I measured my body fat this late morning and it was 16% Pretty good. My goal is 13% by competition in June/July 2009.

I'm looking fairly skinny now and know that I need to put on much more muscle. DH and I have been doing a cutting diet called The Velocity Diet It truly was wonderful. We are in the first week of transition and I know now that I have wasted two decades eating high CHO and low fat....sigh...Just thinking of what could have been....

Enough of the self woe. Just gonna buck up and start adding mass muscle come January.

We are doing the velocity diet from November though December 2008. Starting in January and going though February 2009 we'll do our bulk. Clean bulk. I'm looking at the anabolic diet, or maybe a custom one that I work out. Then cut again for March. Bulk April and Mid May, and then cut for competition in June or July. Dont quite know when the competition will be.July will be better because then it would allow for more of a bulk. Re=reading that, I might have to make some adjustments. 6 weeks on and 6 off instead of a full two months.

This is FUN. I was going to keep a diary of my experience on the velocity diet (videt) but it really was so damn easy, that there wasnt much to talk about. We didnt use the authors recommended supplements, but ones comparable that we could get from our most very favorite supplement store, Bodybuilding

gerson anyone?

2008-12-01T13:02:00.002-05:00

/br
I think that nutrition is key in fighting against and maybe even winning against cancer.

my experience with D&C part II

2008-11-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

So, last time I posted I ended with:
Two days after my augmentation (I'm still in VA recovering and awaiting my 2nd post op) I'm sitting in bed watching TV and all of a sudden I felt this fluid just come bubbling out of me. Of course, it was blood. I freaked and yelled "MOM!" (she was staying with me for help after my boob job) and tried to rush to the bathroom with blood just going everywhere.

I had to start a new entry because I could just keep going and going.

After I rushed over to the potty, my mom brought a towel to me and I put it between my legs. My mom seemed to think that this would stem the flow of blood....whatever, she was trying to be helpful. I told her that if I was still bleeding, that it needed to come out. It did seem to stop just as soon as it started, but I was weak feeling and was totally freaked that it would start again. I made it back to the sofa and just sat there. About two seconds later I decided to call my gyn. She called right back (they are awesome about that!) and said that as long as I'm not soaking a pad an hour and as long as it doesnt continue, I should just stay in the hotel. But, if it does any of those things, I should go to the ER

Well DUH! I knew that. So she told me to come in and see her that coming Monday. I agreed. Everything continued to go well in VA, my trip back home was fine and Monday came and I was barely spotting. I figured that maybe the gush got out what all needed to get out. Subsequently, I didnt go in. Had a normal day at home: took the kids to school, did laundry, went up and down the stairs a billion times, all was good.

That was Monday. I had clots that night (sigh), and figured it was just my body adjusting to being back home. Later that morning I was on the toilet and blood began dripping into the toilet and a clot came out again. I was pretty pissed off and called the service. (of course they called back immediatley as usual!) they told me to go in. I left pretty much right after that at 0800 to go to the office. On my way there I decided to check my pad.

I was TOTALLY soaked through. TOTALLY. My heart started pounding and my brain said "go to the ER". Fortunately I was right there already. I had the valet park my van and ran in sobbing. I'm not a cryer but DAMN I was so sick of not knowing when my body was going to bust forth with a gusher of blood.

Ended up losing about 2L of blood and having ANOTHER D&C. My husband talked to my Gyn after the surgery and asked "you got everything out this time, RIGHT?" Apparently there was still some stuff left over and my body was going into overdrive trying to shed. Plus the little piece left over was just pumping away.

Yep, that's right. My H/H (hematrocrit and hemoglobin) which was 13/39 pre original D&C, and was 12.5/37 on the monday of my ba(sept 22nd) was freaking 8.1/25 by tuesday night. I looked like a ghost. My admitting doc was very worried, but since my gyn wasnt concerned enough to order a transfusion, he let me go home.

I did get a script for HEMAX which is an AWESOME iron supplement. Not just for your average anemia, but if you ever lose as much blood as I did, it is great.

About two weeks after that I quit bleeding completely. About time. I just started going back to the gym last week, making this my 2nd week back.

DH and I are starting a cut diet today to see where we are at as far as muscularity. I need to do at least 1 or 2 bulks before my competition in July 2009.

Time to take a break.

my boob job

2008-10-23T11:25:00.001-04:00

My preop was scheduled for 1130 and we (my mom and I) got there at 1140. My headache was CRANKIN (damn that caffeine addiction LOL) and dr Dewires wife tells me that he's behind. So, it's closer to 1 by the time that we get back to the IV/preop room. Everyone is super cool and I"m not upset cause I know that dr d will give me the time I need just like he did with his other patients that day.

So, my nurse Carol and I go through all the preop paperwork and I take my pee test. We knew it would be positive but my gyn had already written a note to that effect and so it was no biggie. Carol actually laughed because she said that she had never seen a positive test :) Next is the IV. Bummer. She blew out the first vein she tried, and I started feeling woozie. Told her that other people's blood doesnt bother me, just my own lol. The next vein she goes for she gave me the lidocane first so I wouldnt feel the big ole honker IV needle. Worked like a charm and my IV was in.

Dr D came in, we discussed my latex sensitivity and then he did his markings. I told him that I trusted him to make me pretty first and huge second. We joked some more and then the anesthesiologist came in. Of course I had to quiz him on where he went to school, and then get the specific names of the meds that he would be using. He said that I was going to get versed first before we went into the OR. I told him that versed works REALLY fast on me, so he was cute and held me up as we walked back. So, I"m up on the table, I hear someone say TIME IS 210. I took some deep breaths and WHAMMO. That's all I remember until I woke up. I remember Dr D saying that he got the 500s in me and then I happened to notice how my chest felt....

OH MY! OWIE! BIG OLE OWIE! I said "owie" and my nurse, Carol said, (she's awesome!) said "oh honey are you in pain?" and I said Yep! On a scale of 1-10 I was like a 5. She gave me some phentanyl twice but it really didnt do anything :( I got my post op instructions and was wheeled out to the nurses car (I hired one incase my mom didnt show up) and went back to the hotel and was having a pretty rough time. Took my pain meds (i took one and then the nurse said "honey, you need to take another), so I did and was able to relax some. SUPER TIGHT CHEST! I got situated on my pillows on the pullout sofa, and rested. Basically I was up with 1 to 1.5 hour naps all night. Good so I could take my meds but bad cause I really did need to rest.

I had my follow up today. And all looks very pretty :) I have to wear a strap (oh joy!) to push them into my new crease, and an underwire bra 24/7 (more joy) to support that crease. Started massage (every 2-3 hours) and that feels good. Some mild bruising. I'm only on advil and my antibiotic.

All is well in VA! Hope you enjoyed my story as much as I did writing it :)
XOXO

My first experience with general anesthesia

2008-10-23T11:07:00.001-04:00

Let's see, Monday 8 sept 2008 I saw the doc that had originally diagnosed me with premature menopause. We had a good laugh about this and she said I think we need to do a D&C.. I told her "ABSOLUTELY!" There is nothing but a sac and it's been there since july 27th, just making me sick! We did a confirmation u/s and yep, it was still there! I told the u/s tech to just zap it! I said "abby! make it come out!"

So, having never been though general anesthesia, nor in a hospital, I was a little freaked. She, my doc was very cool, reassuring, and explained it in all the detail that I asked for. We scheduled the D&C for Thursday (yesterday) and I waited (and researched LOL!)

DH took me to the same day surgery center and everyone was totally GREAT. They are affiliated with the hospital where I work and I got the same kind of care that I see most everyone get. I was really happy.

The intake nurse took me back and and walked me though everything. The only pain I had (aside from the fasting/no caffeine headache) was when she started my IV on my hand. CRAP. That was an owie. The anesthesiologist came back and I asked her a billion questions (including where she went to school, and the names of the meds they use and what they would do with a particular complication I described). She did an excellent job of explaining everything. THen, the NURSE anesthetist came back (I found out that an MD is an anesthesiologist and a NURSE is an anesthetist). I remembered that I chewed a piece of gum that a.m. and told her and we laughed about that. Then she said "i'm going to start your sedation now". I remember being wheeled back into the OR, I remember transferring on to the OR table, I remember thinking "wow there sure are a lot of people here" and WHAMMO. That was it. I dont remember anything after that. I dont even remember falling asleep.

As everyone says "the next thing I know I'm waking up in recovery" HA. So true. I was asking about my BP and my O2 sats and the recovery nurse was just laughing and telling me to rest. Then I realized that I STILL HAD MY HEADACHE! I figured with all the anesthesia meds, that it would be gone NOPE! The nurse gave me my diet coke and I was good. They had called DH and he was already on his way.

Now today, Friday 12 sept 2008 (when this was originally written), I'm fine. Really. No pain and minimal spotting. AND thank goodness my nausea and tiredness are GONE! My experience with general anesthesia was a piece of cake. The anesthesiologist said it would be since I"m in such good health.

my experience with D&C part 1

2008-10-13T10:26:00.001-04:00

The last time I posted I had been diagnosed with premature menopause by my Gyn. All my blood levels indicated that I would never ovulate again and we even did a progesterone challenge and I did not bleed.

All that was in May.

July 3rd. I got a period. Strange

July 27th, I got another period. But, this one was even stranger. My back was KILLING me and the period, instead of being red, was kinda a purply dark red with pieces.

First week of august: I'm starting to really pick up on smells (like cleaning out my daughter's potty bugs me), and when I get home from the gym, I have to sit on the sofa. Mild nausea too. (all of you ladies that have had babies know where this is going, but I was really skeptical). So, I had a left-over pee stick from when I got preg with DD in 2005 and peed on it

Holy S&%$. Two lines. REALLY. DH and I had been pulling out all the time. (I know, not reliable, but it has worked for close to 14 years) And here I am with a positive preg test.

Oh, as an aside, I've been planning a boob job for over 10 years, and have it scheduled at this point. BUT, of course, if I'm preg, I cannot have surgery. That kinda bums me out.

Another thing that is weird, I'd been spotting the ENTIRE time since the "period" on July 27th. I knew that wasnt right. Yeah, some people spot but I've had three kids, and that's not normal for me. So, even though I dont use docs for having babies, I am an established pt with the gyn's office so I figured that I would get an ultrasound to find out if there is acutally a baby in there. I kinda doubt it from the spotting and the fact that my pregnancy symptoms arent really increasing.

I call the docs office and explain all about what's going on, and they agree to bring me in for labs...huh? Ok, more later...time for DDs nap

I'm back.

I figured, that I would just get an ultrasound. There is either something in there or not, and I thought that a picture (ultrasound) would be worth more than a thousand words (or, lab numbers). So I go in and get a beta HCG,

My first numbers are close to 32,000. Perfectly normal, though some docs seem to think it indicates twins (no). Guess what (dripping with sarcasm)...they want to do an ULTRASOUND. Seems as though anything over a certain level (I think 7000) and there should definitely be a heartbeat visible.

So, I get my u/s and there is a sac, fetal poles, and yolk sac, but no embryo. It was pretty much a definite for me. I mean, according to my LMP I should be close to 8 weeks preg and there should DEFINITELY be something there. But the docs say "no, lets wait". I come back for another (still spotting brown every day) and now the poles and yolk sac are gone. Meanwhile, my orignial gyn is back from maternity leave and they say...wait a week and you should pass it.
I wait

and wait

and wait. My boob surgery is now just two weeks away and I want this taken care of. Finally my gyn suggests a D&C. In hind sight, I should have scheduled it for the day after the non-viable pregnancy, but that's hind sight for you!

I've never had surgery of ANY KIND and am kind of nervous. All the stories that I read, and all the ladies that I talked to assured me that the surgery is really no big deal. Here's what I wrote about it on another blog:

my first experience with general anesthesia

That surgery was on Thursday, 11 sept 2008. By that Sunday I had stopped spotting. According to my post op instructions, I could return to my normal activities after 24 hours. So, that monday, I did. I went to the gym and did some light weights and some cardio. When I got home I noticed spotting that progressed to bleeding like a period. The post op instructions said that if it's heavier than 1 pad an hour to go to the ER. It certainly wasnt heavy like that and I decided to keep my activity to just cardio.

Tuesday I did cardio and the blood stayed the same.

Wednesday I did cardio, and mind you this isnt sprinting or running, but riding the stationary bike. That afternoon I felt really wiped out so before I went to pick the guys up from school, and after DD went for her nap, I decided to take a nap myself. When I woke up I looked at my pad and it was SOAKED.

It was so soaked it was heavy. So, I went to the bathroom. HUGE CLOT, and I mean big enough to cause the toilet water to splash, came out. Now I was getting scared. I changed my pad and the bleeding kept up. I figured I was on my way to the ER so I better go get the boys. After I picked them up, the bleeding was still there but not getting worse.

It didnt appear to be a critical emergency anymore, but I was still feeling woozy, light headed. I certainly didnt want to go to the ER with three kids, so I felt like I could call my docs office and get their advice.

They said that clots were perfectly normal. Uh...ok..

So, I stayed home. Drank LOTS of water and told DH what was happening.

And so it went. As long as I sat on the sofa and took it easy the bleeding stayed managable. Even got to the point where I was wearing panty liners and not pads. But, if I over did (meaning sweeping my floors or mopping, ...yes...I know...) then that night I passed major clots.

The docs office still said it was normal.

My breast surgery is a go, so I pack up and fly to Virginia. Dr Dewire is an AMAZING MAN with an undescriable artistic touch. Here's my boob job story

Two days after my augmentation (I'm still in VA recovering and awaiting my 2nd post op) I'm sitting in bed watching TV and all of a sudden I felt this fluid just come bubbling out of me. Of course, it was blood. I freaked and yelled "MOM!" (she was staying with me for help after my boob job) and tried to rush to the bathroom with blood just going everywhere.

I think I"m gonna start a new post this is getting long for one. see here for part ii

baby poison

2008-07-02T13:57:00.000-04:00

That's what we call artificial baby milk, or "formula" as it's better known, here in our house. Whenever we're at the grocery store or tarjay, my sons, with looks of disgust, point out and loudly proclaim "look mom, more cans of baby poison!" EWWW! Why anyone (outside of moms that have bodily fluid communicable diseases, are on chemo, or are using drugs) would feed their precious baby corn syrup, cows milk, and oil, and PAY FOR IT is beyond me. It always has been.

I dont care what YOU think. It's not about YOU anymore, is it. You chose to bring a new human into this world and therefore, in my logical mind, and in keeping with the way humans were MADE, you must do right by your baby and give them the best start possible.

Cant deal with it, tough S$$t. Learn to. Dont like waking up at night, GROW UP! You are not the baby here!. So many evil and vile thoughts go through my mind when I think of the absolute selfishness of women that chose to poison their babies.

I get midwifery today e magazine. There was a great letter in it that I want to reproduce here.

Question of the Week Responses

Q: Do you think that baby formula milk should be available by prescription, readily available or what? Basically, I mean when breastfeeding doesn't work, and a mom has tried everything in order to be successful at it, or had a medical or other reason for being unable to breastfeed?

— Jessica A Bruno

A: Marketing of infant formula has changed parenting practices around the world; the WHO says that 1.5 million babies die each year because they are not breastfed. Researchers Rogan and Chen (Pediatrics 2004) calculated that lack of breastfeeding causes at least 720 infant deaths a year in the US. Formula is the first step towards infants developing diabetes, obesity, lymphomas and leukemias, and other chronic diseases. The general public doesn't know this because in the US, profit is more important than health. The information is being kept from the public to sell product. (Google: "HHS toned down breast-feeding ads" for the August 31, 2007, story about this from the Washington Post.)

Breastfeeding provides health benefits to mothers as well, reducing risk for breast and endometrial and ovarian cancer and diabetes, and also delaying fertility.

In the ideal world, every city with a level III NICU would have a milk bank certified by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

We don't live in an ideal world; human milk is not available for every baby. Currently, women who are HIV+, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2+, alcoholics or illegal drug users, or are receiving cancer chemotherapy are discouraged from breastfeeding. Rare infants with galactosemia should not breastfeed; they need special formulas to survive. In these situations, the babies need to be fed. That means using formula.

I would like to see women without medical contraindications for breastfeeding sign an informed consent before using formula to indicate awareness that the health course of both their lives will be changed when they choose not to breastfeed.

Before that happens, every mother must have access to accurate and practical information and encouragement about breastfeeding after the baby is born. This means that every birth hospital and center would implement the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (from WHO/UNICEF), whether they apply for Baby-friendly status or not. This also means that every business and place of employment would implement recommendations from the Business Case for Breastfeeding (free from DHHS/HRSA 2008). This also means that the WIC program would stop giving away formula.

The US has a lot to do to increase breastfeeding initiation and rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The goal is exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, and a gradual introduction of solids after that time, with breastfeeding continuing up to at least one year and, thereafter, for as long as mother and baby find the relationship rewarding. To achieve that goal, breastfeeding must be supported (practical advice and encouragement) and protected (legislation in place to honor breastfeeding in the workplace, outside the home, in the legal system). We have made strides in the past 10 years, and still have far to go.

To put all of the responsibility on women to initiate and sustain breastfeeding when the cultural norm for infant feeding in the US is formula is unfair. Breastfeeding needs to be honored by our culture so that everyone assumes the baby will be breastfed.

— Nikki Lee, RN, BSN, MS, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CCE, CIMI
Craniosacral therapy practitioner, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania USA
www.myspace.com/adonicalee

The part about signing a consent form is GREAT. I wonder how many moms that feed baby poison know that they are predisposing their kid to CANCER?

osteopenia, bone density, mammogram

2008-06-30T13:29:00.000-04:00

Those are three words that I never thought I would need to focus on till I was "old". Ya know, like in my 50s or 60s. But as of last month, they became a reality NOW.

Background: After my last daughter weaned from nursing this February, I expected that I would get my period back. With my boys, I got it back when they were 14 and 16 months old, even though they were still nursing. March came with lots of ewcm, but no period.

No biggie I thought. You see, I was losing weight rapidly, getting back to my pre 3 babies in 4 years, body. 128 pounds and 14-15% body fat. LOVE being there. But, I figured that since the weight came off relatively quickly, from 142 to 128 in 3 months, with no loss of lean body mass (aka I didnt starve my self!) that maybe that was the reason for my amenorrhea.

April came and went, May came and went, still no period. I decided to consult a gynecologist. I had read that it can take up to 6 months after weaning to get your period back, but I was also now having hot flashes. Went to see her. LOVE HER (dont usually care for docs), and she did my annual exam, and drew some blood. It was going to be the typical wait for results (pap was negative btw, they always are for me, thank goodness).

I finally get the triage nurse to call me with my results prior to my follow up exam and everything was peachy and way normal....except for a value. My FSH.

Now, if you have fertility problems and are reading this you probably know where this is headed. For those that have just happened by, let me tell you a little about FSH and LH. They are the hormones that secreted from your pituitary gland that make you ovulate. The following chart is from a great web sit called early menopause dot com.

FSH TEST LEVELS

Normal Menstruating
Follicular Phase	2.5 to 10.2
Midcycle Peak	3.4 to 33.4
Luteal Phase	1.5 to 9.1
Postmenopausal	23.0 to >116.3

My FSH level was 42.8. YEP! I had to laugh out loud. Freakin menopause at 39 years old. My LH and estradiol levels were still "normal" but border line in their respective values for menopause.

Basically my pituitary gland is just pumping out that FSH trying to get my ovary to pop out an egg and it AINT workin!. Not only am I done having babies, but I wont ever get another period!

Thank goodness I already had my babies. I have read all these posts from women that are way younger than I am (late 20s and early 30s) that have premature menopause and they have not had kids yet. I am so sad for them.

But, for me it's now about heart health and bone health. The loss of estrogen from no ovulation means that my bones are rapidly losing mass and my risk for heart disease is increasing. Since I havent had a period since I got preg with DD in dec of 2005, its a guess as to when my menopause started, and thus, my estrogen dropped. In the brief amt of reading I did before my appointment, I thought that I really HAD to take HRT.

But, my wonderful sweet doc took all the time I wanted! and explained to me that HRT is for 1) trying to restore fertility and 2) for decrease in the neuro-vaso symptoms aka hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Since this is something that my body did naturally, I really was too keen in trying to make it do something differnt. and I DESPISED being on THE PILL. The bisphosphonates are also not all they are cracked up to be. Some of the side effects are down right scary. I also think people are way too quick to pop a pill when a little hard work and diet changes are all they need.

We chatted more about how much I work out (5x week intense cardio and weights), how well I eat, 90% great, and how that affects my heart and bones. Doc seems to think its enough, and I agree. She did give me a script for a bone density scan and my very first mammo. I had both of those this past weekend.

The mammo was F U N N Y. I have zero b 0 0 b s. I mean pretty much nothing. I was laughing the whole time that the sweet tech was maneuvering me and getting me into position. We got our 4 views necessary and another wait for results begins. It was so cute seeing my teeny tiny boobies all squashed.

Then I had my bone scan. No big deal. Just lie down on a plinth like thingy and an arm goes over your body and does a "scan" xray diagnostic of, in my case, my lumbar spine and my two hips. Of course I was all jazzed up and sure that my bones were the hardest they had ever seen.

Guess what? I was WRONG! I actually got a reading of beginning osteopenia (-1.1 for those of you scoring at home) on my lumbar spine. That really surprised me. Really. But then I considered this and came up with a hypothesis. I have just had 3 kids in 4 years. During that time I was not able to lift HEAVY weights, nor run/sprint like I usually do. I probably was only lifting like I like about 25% of the time. So that means for the other 75% of the time I was either "lifting to maintain" or not lifting at all. It's just been since February that I have really started kicking butt again.

I figure that I was probably even worse on the osteopenia scale (even higher SD from the norm) and have slowly been getting better now that my diet and my workout are back where they should be. I do think I need to tweak my diet and chill on the caffeine. I take A LOT of caffeine. But, I do also put milk in my coffee and take Ca supplements (1500 mg/day) Plus I've been reading about acidic v alkaline diet and have been working towards more of those changes. I bet my readings next year on my dexa will be normal.

I would love, if you're still reading, to hear what you think. This is all new for me. Learning as I go.

24 june 2008 my dog, home birth

2008-06-24T16:18:00.000-04:00

Our 14 y/o shih tzu got killed this weekend. Not by something like a car or rogue kid, but a killed by the poison from a toad. I thought he was having a heat stroke, but by the time DH got him to the emergency vet, he was in tachycardia, and later, died. I was so sad for my husband.

It is really weird that Bear isnt around anymore. Not that he did much, sleep mostly, but he was still there. I will miss Bear. Didnt think I would. But, I am sad he's not here. Sad that he died like that, and sad for my DH.

My 2nd thought for today is on homebirth. I was watching Ricki Lake talk about her home birth and the video that she shot. Then she and the reporter talked about the flak that she was getting from the medical associations and organizations. What they said amounted to the blanket statement that hospitals are the safest place for before, during and, after labor.

Well now, usually that would get my dander up and I'd start yelling at the TV and telling DH how dumb and short sighted these organizations are. I'd go on about how it's all about the bottom line = profit for the hospitals.

Did I mention that I had my last kid at home. The first two were at birth centers. I'm VERY much against hospital birth...for me. I also work at a hospital, which only furthers my belief that profit and legality are 99% of why the csection rate is 50% here.

But, then this thought came creeping in....

Conscious: "hey....do you remember what at least half of the fertile female population looks like?"

Response: Yeah, they're all pretty much fat obese slobs that have never known the high end of their heart rate capacity. They drink sodas, they eat shit, their bellies hang out further than

Conscious: My point exactly. DO you think that these women are PREPARED to give birth at at birth centers, or home? For the current state of health of women of child-bearing age, the hospital REALLY IS the safest place.

Repsonse: OMG. I think you're correct.

To have a homebirth you have to be uber prepared. YOu have to be in great health, eat great, know how to listen to your body, and know how to TRUST your body. Most women I know DONT trust their body and want to delegate responsibility for their health and the health of their kid to some complete stranger. Giving birth at home is the way it's supposed to be. Women were MADE to have babies. MADE with the capacity to withstand labor and all its wild sensations.

People dont want to feel anymore. The second something SLIGHTLY becomes uncomfortable, they want to assuage it any way possible.

Home birth is a priviledge that most will CHOSE not to experience. Truly, and firstly, the baby's loss. And secondly, the mom's loss. She'll never truly know what she is capable of.